Malayalam actor Dileep (File Photo | Cinema Express)
KOCHI: The Angamaly Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday denied bail to actor Dileep, arrested in the case related to the sexual assault of an actress. He was sent to judicial custody till July 25.
If released, Dileep - named as 11th accused in the case - may influence the witnesses, including prime accused Pulsar Suni’s former counsel Pratheesh Chacko and Appunni, a close aide of the actor, affecting the ongoing inquiry, the prosecution submitted.
The prosecution also submitted the police are planning to question several noted personalities close to Dileep and cited the actress’ safety while objecting to the bail plea. Besides, the ongoing mass campaign on social media sites favouring the actor was also cited. The prosecution said many persons, including Dileep’s brother, had posted comments against the investigation team. It shows the influence of the actor although he is under arrest.
Maintaining there was enough evidence to prove the conspiracy involving the actor, the prosecution said it is necessary to have a detailed probe. On the other hand, the defence counsel submitted the remand report against the accused was not reasonable and maintained the actor will abide by all conditions of the court for bail. The fact that the actor is a known face also lowers the chances of him fleeing, it added.
Mobile phones submitted
In an unexpected move, the defence counsel submitted two mobile phones allegedly possessed by the actor, citing the reason they should be sent for forensic examination before the police could ‘tamper with it’.According to lawyers of the actor, they will approach the High Court with the bail plea. Later in the evening, the police once again brought the actor to the court reportedly to unlock the two mobile phones. The proceedings were completed in five minutes and he was shifted to Aluva sub-jail thereafter.
Dileep was produced before the court as the police custody came to an end at 5 pm on Saturday. The court had already held a hearing on the bail plea moved by the actor the other day and posted it to Saturday for further proceedings. The police have collected evidence by taking the actor to locations in Thrissur, Kochi and Thodupuzha where the conspiracy had been hatched along with first accused Pulsar Suni.
