Body doubling: Kochi police step up probe

Kochi: The Kochi police on Monday recorded the statement of director Jean Paul Lal and three others in the body doubling case a week after it objected a move by the complainant and respondents to settle the case outside the court. During the interrogation held at the office of the Thrikkakkara assistant commissioner of police, Jean Paul, actor Lal’s son, reportedly admitted to having an altercation with the debutant actress over remuneration for acting in the movie ‘Honey Bee-2’ and also using body double in the film.

However, he denied making any lewd comment against the actress. “He denied using any offensive language against her, let alone passing lewd comment,” the police said. On August 16, the cops informed the court that the case against the director cannot be settled outside court since it involves criminal charges. This  was after the complainant had given a statement before the district additional sessions court, expressing her willingness to withdraw the charges.

Earlier, a preliminary probe by the cops confirmed the actress’ charges that the filmmaker had used body double in the film. The Panangad police had lodged a case against Lal, actor Sreenath Bhasi and two technicians identified as Anoop and Anirudh including charges of cheating and outraging the modesty of woman based on the original complaint of the actress filed last month.