Aluva MLA Anwar Sadat on Friday said the allegations levelled against him on the basis of his long-standing friendship with actor Dileep who stood accused in the actor abduction and sexual harassment case were “politically motivated”.
Mr. Sadat was addressing a press conference called to clear the air in the wake of reports that the police might record his statement in the light of his frequent contacts with Dileep.
He admitted that he had contacted Dileep the day after the actor was abducted, to invite him to inaugurate a school. “Attempts to reach him a few days before that had failed as his mobile phone was switched off,” Mr. Sadat said. Asked whether Dileep had called him up later in the day, Mr. Sadat said he did not remember.
He added that the fact that the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) had lodged a petition against him with the Superintendent of Police on the basis of media reports was a clear indication that the allegations were politically motivated.
“Reports that the police might question me, though they are yet to contact me, raises doubts if it is a politically motivated balancing act since a few elected representatives of the Left were already under a cloud [for supporting Dileep initially],” said Mr. Sadat.
He categorically denied any real estate or money dealings with Dileep. Those who raise such allegations should produce proof, he said.
Mr. Sadat said his friendship with Dileep was a long-standing one, and that the latter had sworn in the name of a local deity that he had nothing to do with the case.
He added that it was natural to trust a friend who repeatedly reaffirmed his innocence. He, however, said if Dileep was found guilty, he should be given strict punishment as such a gruesome act could not be condoned.
Mr. Sadat said there seemed to be no reason to criticise police investigation. Asked whether he was with the victim or his friend, Mr. Sadat said the sentiments of the people of the State were with the victim, and that he was elected for a second time running for respecting people’s sentiments. “People of Aluva know me. I have always been with the people, and if someone feels envious about it, I cannot help it,” Mr. Sadat said, reaffirming that his party fully supported him.
Mr. Sadat laughed off his alleged links to Dileep fans accused of running a social media campaign to establish the actor’s innocence.
