With inputs from Vandhana Rajasekaran
Earlier this week, 21-year old U Prem Kumar filed a complaint against actor Suriya alleging that the actor had assaulted him. The incident reportedly occurred on Thiru Vi Ka road when Prem Kumar’s bike collided with a car. Suriya, who had witnessed the ensuing commotion, stepped in to intervene, and according to Kumar, slapped Kumar. The case against Suriya has now been withdrawn.
Kumar subsequently uploaded a video on social media, with his version of what happened at the time. The video, which began circulating on social media yesterday, triggered mixed responses from viewers. In the video, U Prem Kumar says that he, along with his friend, Lenin, were on their way to play football at the Patrician College grounds in Adyar, when Kumar allegedly lost control of his bike and collided with a car.
An altercation between Kumar and the lady driving the car ensued, resulting in a traffic jam on the road. At this point, Suriya stopped his car and intervened. Suriya then assaulted Kumar, who subsequently lodged a complaint against the actor at the Shastri Nagar police station.
A source close to Suriya, while confirming that Suriya did intervene in the situation, has denied that the actor slapped the boy, or reacted violently. According to Suriya’s manager, Suriya called the police and left the matter to his assistant. Suriya’s manager further stated that the two boys had taken advantage of Suriya’s absence and filed a complaint against him.
#Suriya's side denies any physical violence from him. He just intervened for an old woman's safety from two confronting young men.
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) May 31, 2016
. @Suriya_offl denies assaultin any boy.. He says he tried to pacify a duo arguin with an old woman in a car accident and called the Police!
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) May 31, 2016
Kumar says that the assault left him traumatised and scared for his life, as he was also recovering from a brain fever that had been aggravated by the assault.
The case against actor Surya has now been withdrawn. Meanwhile, the driver of the car, Pushpa Krishnaswamy, identified herself yesterday on Twitter, and tweeted to thank Surya for his timely intervention. She also came forward with her version of events, according to which the complainant Prem Kumar and his friend had threatened to harm her car.
@Suriya_offl Thank you very very much for telling those two boys not to lay hands on me when they were abusing and threatening me yesterday
— Pushpa Krishnaswamy (@PushpaKrishnasw) May 31, 2016
In midst of all the drama appreciate your boldness for this message!! Respects!! Pls take care! Thank you All!? https://t.co/Dw3aab0IR1
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) May 31, 2016
While Prem Kumar and his lawyer have refused to comment on the proceedings, a family member told Silverscreen.in that the family just wanted to move on from the incident.
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