A new complaint has been filed seeking an investigation into the death of Saleesh Vettiyattil, the mobile phone technician and short film director who serviced actor Dileep’s iPhone, Onmanorama reported.
The 42-year-old died in a road accident on the eve of Onam, and a case of accidental death had been registered at the time.
However, his brother, Shivadas Vettiyattil, has now filed a complaint with the Angamaly police seeking a probe, a few days after filmmaker Balachandra Kumar and Baiju Kottarakkara alleged that Saleesh’s death was unnatural and warranted an interrogation.
Dileep is facing trial in the ongoing female actor abduction and sexual assault case as the alleged mastermind behind the incident. At the end of 2021, the case gained momentum following some serious allegations that were levelled against Dileep by filmmaker Kumar, who claims to be the actor’s former friend.
Recently, in conversation with Reporter TV, Kumar made yet another allegation. He said that he had introduced Saleesh to Dileep after the latter came out on bail as Dileep wanted to retrieve some details from his iPhone. Kumar also claimed that the road accident Saleesh died in had occurred near the same place where the female actor assault happened.
Following this, a complaint was filed by Saleesh’s brother after seeking permission from Saleesh’s wife and child. The complaint has been transferred to the crime branch.
Dileep’s iPhone was reportedly serviced at a mobile phone centre in Ernakulam where Saleesh had worked. The Onmanorama report notes that there is suspicion now that Saleesh died in the accident a day after working on the mobile phone in question.
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Earlier, a case of accidental death was registered by the Angamaly police under the assumption that Saleesh had fallen asleep while driving his car. He had died after his car crashed into the divider and an eyewitness had said that Saleesh suddenly turned the steering and lost control over his vehicle while trying to avoid collision with another speeding vehicle.
Police officials have now sought legal advice on reopening the case as the local police had already given a closure report in court mentioning that the death was due to an accident.
The Onmanorama report adds that the police will soon record the statements of Saleesh’s relatives and colleagues.
For a full timeline of the female actor abduction and assault case, see here.