Malayalam actor Dileep, who was arrested in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of an actress in February this year, has been denied bail by a lower court in Kerala and sent back to jail till July 25.
The Angamaly Judicial first class magistrate court, which was hearing the case, rejected the bail plea and reportedly asked the defense to prepare an inventory before submitting the phones.
Special Prosecutor A Sureshan said on Saturday, “If the actor is allowed bail, he will influence the witness… There is already a massive social media campaign underway to portray him as innocent. We have enough evidence to prove his crime. But we need more and that’s why he shouldn’t be allowed bail.”
The 48-year-old actor will likely apply for bail in a higher court.
Times of India reports that the defense said that there is a vigorous search for the actor’s phone which would likely contain helpful evidence to the case. Once it’s found, the phone will be sent for forensic analysis lest it is tampered with.
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The police have alleged in a remand report that the actor had offered the actress’ former driver and main accused, Pulsar Suni, a sum of Rs. 1.5 crore in 2013 to attack her, record the assault and click nude photographs. The police claim that Dileep had a “personal enmity” with the actress, whom he allegedly blames for his first marriage falling apart.
Meanwhile, the Kerala police has told the court Dileep has refused to co-operate with the probe. The police also say that Dileep continues to claim innocence in this case.