Kochi: Malayalam actor-producer Vijay Babu was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault case on Monday.
The actor was arrested when he appeared before Ernakulam Town South Police Station for questioning. He is expected to be released soon because he has been granted anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court.
Before releasing him, police will collect the evidence from the place where the alleged crime was committed.
Earlier in the day, Vijay Babu appeared before the probe officials in the Ernakulam Town South Police Station early in the morning. He appeared for the interrogation as per the direction of the High Court.
The court had directed Vijay Babu to cooperate with the investigation and to refrain from tampering with the probe. The court has further directed him not to interact with the media regarding the case.
The actor-producer has been charged with two cases, one of sexual harassment and the other for disclosing the identity of the complainant through social media.
The complainant alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by Vijay Babu in a flat in Kochi. The offence was repeated by the accused more than once, according to the complaint filed by her.
The complaint said Babu committed the offence on the pretext of offering roles in movies to the woman.
The actor said that he will stay away from the Executive Committee of the organization till he is proven innocent in the sexual assault case to save the association from ‘disgrace’.
Meanwhile, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) on Sunday said that any action against actor-producer Vijay Babu will be taken “as per the judgement of the court”.
Following the accusations, Vijay stepped down from the executive committee of the AMMA in May.
AMMA president Mohanlal, its general secretary Edavela Babu, and its treasurer Siddique were among those who addressed a press conference. ”This is a matter for the court to consider. Action will be taken if necessary as per the judgement of the court. We are waiting for the verdict of the court to come.”
(With ANI Inputs)