KOCHI: The Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Thursday dismissed the bail petition of businessman Boby Chemmanur in the case registered for making alleged obscene remarks against actor Honey Rose. The court remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.
Denying the bail, the court observed that a “well established prima facie case” has been brought forth against the petitioner. “The petitioner has made physical contact and advances at the informant without her consent and indeed made remarks that are prima facie sexually coloured,” the court observed.
Following the court proceedings, Boby complained of physical discomfort and he was shifted to the Ernakulam General Hospital. After medical checkup, he was taken to the District Jail in Kakkanad.
After recording the arrest on Wednesday, Boby was produced before the court on Thursday afternoon. Soon, his counsel — prominent lawyers B Raman Pillai and Geo Paul — filed a bail petition.
‘Allegations against accused serious’
Around 1 pm, the court started hearing both sides. The court asked Boby whether he has any injuries. Boby replied that he suffered injuries to his leg and spine following an accident recently. He said he also suffers from ulcer. Boby informed the court that he did not do anything wrong.
The defence lawyers submitted that the allegations against the businessman were baseless. They informed that they were ready to produce videos of the event in which the complainant claimed that Boby made obscene remarks against her.
“The allegation of the complainant that Boby caught her hands is untrue,” they said. According to the defence side, Honey Rose had shared the videos and photos of the events on her Facebook page. These videos and photos are still seen on her Facebook page. The actor attended the event after taking remuneration.
She has now made a wrong interpretation of the statements made during the event. The police have already taken the mobile phone of the accused in custody, hence granting the bail would not impact the investigation,” the lawyers said.
The public prosecutor read out portions of statements given by Honey Rose before the police and the magistrate. The prosecution claimed that after the event at Alakode in Kannur, Boby misbehaved with the actor twice during two other events.
Also, abusive comments were made against the actor in an interview given to an online channel, the prosecution stated. It raised apprehension that Boby would influence witnesses and try to abscond if he is granted bail.
The prosecution also objected to defence’s plea seeking permission to submit videos of the victim in the court while considering the bail petition. The court refused to go through the digital content at this stage of the case.
On completion of the hearing, the court directed the police not to let Boby go outside the court hall. Around 5 pm, the court gave its order dismissing the bail petition. The court observed that the allegation against the accused is of serious nature and releasing him on bail at the preliminary stage will affect the probe. Boby said he will move a bail petition in the High Court soon.
Meanwhile, a few individuals, claiming to be Boby’s supporters, attempted to block the police vehicle while he was being transported from the Ernakulam General Hospital to the district jail in Kakkanad.
