A reported move by the State government to withdraw a case registered against actor Kalabhavan Mani has triggered a controversy. The case was registered against the actor in 2011 on charges of assaulting a policeman.
On Wednesday, another case was registered against Mr. Mani and his friend for assaulting two forest officials at Kannankuzhi, near Athirappilly on Tuesday night.
Unaware of move
However, Umesh K.R., a civil police officer attached to Chalakudy police, said he was not aware of the reported move to withdraw the case registered on the basis of his complaint.
Mr. Umesh was handling the traffic along Athirappilly highway on December 25, 2011. There were traffic hold-ups on the stretch owing to the festival at Koodampuzha Subramania Temple and when the crowd spilled on to the road, the police officer tried to move the crowd off the road.
At this point, Mr. Mani and five others allegedly manhandled Mr. Umesh and threatened to beat him up.
Complaint filed
Mr. Mani allegedly twisted the policeman’s arm in the melee. On the basis of a complaint filed by Mr. Umesh, a case was registered at the Chalakudy police station against Mr. Mani for obstructing police personnel on duty.
“I have no idea about the case being withdrawn, as I have no communication whatsoever in this regard. I will consult senior officials on how to respond to the new development,” Mr. Umesh told The Hindu over phone.
Inquiry ordered
When contacted, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said he was not aware of such a move on the part of the government. State Police Chief K.S. Balasubramanian said an inquiry has been ordered into the reported move to withdraw the case.
New case likeky
It is learnt that the police might register a new case.
Mr. Mani was not available for comment.
