Malayalam actor-politician Suresh Gopi has moved the Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail in a case lodged against him for allegedly behaving inappropriately with a woman journalist during a press interaction in Kozhikode.
The actor, who is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stands accused of committing the offence under Section 354 (assaulting or using criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
In his anticipatory bail application, Gopi contended that this case as well as another tax evasion case against him were registered to stir up political sentiments against him and wreak vengeance for purportedly spearheading the case of the depositors in the Karuvannur Co-operative Bank scam.It is submitted that, Gopi was being thronged by press personnel, including the women journalist in question, as he was trying to leave an event. He was merely attempting to pass the woman who was allegedly blocking his way, the plea stated.Gopi argued that the offence alleged against him would not stand since he had no sexual motive in trying to move past the journalist in the presence of several press personnel.It is stated that he appeared before the police on the days that he was summoned and that he cooperated in every way.
Arguing that there is no necessity for custodial interrogation, the actor has sought anticipatory bail from the High Court.
The matter came up before Justice C Pratheep Kumar earlier today. The judge posted the matter for hearing in the first week of January, 2024.Suresh Gopi was represented by advocates BN Shiv Shanker, Tinu T Joseph and Sanoj MA.
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