Lal's claim contradicts assaulted Malayalam actor's version

KOCHI: Film actor-director Lal’s claim  that the actor who was abducted and sexually assaulted had come to the city not in connection with the movie ‘Honey Bee2’ is contrary to the statement made by the actor to the police after the incident. Lal told reporters here on Friday  that the actor came to the city to stay with her friend and fellow actor Remya Nambeesan and was not in connection with acting in the film.

The actor had told the police that she had proceeded from her home in Thrissur to Ernakulam on a vehicle sent by Lal Creations for the shooting of ‘Honey Bee2.’ Lal said the actor came to Kochi  to visit her friend and fellow actor Remya Nambeesan. “I did not  contact her after making arrangements for the vehicle thinking that she would have reached Remya’s home,” he added.

Expressing concern over reports casting aspersions on himself, actor Dileep and film producer Anto Joseph, Lal said spreading unsubstantiated news will have serious impact on the affected persons. “I am not  worried about reports stating that everything will become clear if cops question  Lal. Since people know  me,  they would not believe such reports. But I am distressed that Anto  who came to help me on the fateful night has been mentioned as a culprit,”  he said.  

He was responsible for nabbing Martin, who was driving the vehicle used by the actor on the day.  “Marin tried to slip out, but I brought him back realising that he was faking about being beaten up by assailants,” he said. Lal denied the allegations  that the people behind the new generation cinema were  addicted to drugs. “It is complete rubbish. People spreading such stories should specify in which shooting sets or locations such activities have taken place, ” he said.   Nobody can make a film successful by smoking marijuana, he added.