Actor Kollam Thulasi surrendered at the Chavara police station on Tuesday in connection with a case registered against him for making derogatory remarks about women. The Kerala High Court had dismissed his plea for anticipatory bail in January, directing him to surrender immediately.
“His arrest was recorded at 10.30 a.m. and he was presented before the court after taking his statement,” said Chavara Circle Inspector Chandradas. Mr.Thulasi was later released on bail.
Controversial speech
The actor had made the controversial speech at the Sabarimala Viswasa Samrakshana Jatha organised by the NDA to mark its protest against the entry of young women to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple on October 12, 2018.
Unconditional apology
When his comments sparked public outrage, the actor had tendered an unconditional apology arguing it was a spur-of-the-moment remark triggered by his devotion.
Mr.Thulasi has been booked under Sections 295(a) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 298 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 354(a) (sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505(b) (statements conducing to public mischief, with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) along with 119(a) (performing any sexual gestures or acts degrading the dignity of women in a public place) and 117 (penalty for interfering in the functions of the police) of the Kerala Police Act.
