Trivandrum, 28 August : The Kerala High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to actress Lakshmi R Menon in connection with a case involving the alleged abduction and assault of an IT professional in Kochi. The interim order, issued by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, ensures that the actress cannot be arrested until September 17, 2025, giving her temporary legal relief.

The Allegations Against Lakshmi Menon

The case stems from a complaint lodged by an IT employee who claimed he was chased, abducted, and assaulted by a group that included the actress. According to the complaint, the incident began after an altercation at a bar in Kochi on August 24. The victim alleged that his car was pursued and later intercepted near the North Railway Overbridge, where he was forcibly dragged into another vehicle.

Inside the car, the complainant alleged, he was physically assaulted before eventually being released. The Ernakulam North Police swiftly launched an investigation and arrested three of the accused — identified as Mithun, Aneesh, and Sonamol — who have since been remanded to judicial custody.

Menon’s Defense

In her anticipatory bail plea, Lakshmi Menon strongly denied the charges, calling them false and fabricated. She argued that the allegations were a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.

The actress claimed that it was she and her female friend who were the real victims of harassment that night. According to her, the complainant and his friends allegedly verbally and sexually harassed them at the bar. Menon further alleged that after she left the premises, the same group followed her vehicle and even attacked them with a beer bottle.

Menon’s counsel emphasized before the court that the actress was being unfairly implicated and that the police should conduct an impartial investigation.

Video Footage Emerges

The controversy took another twist as NDTV accessed video footage that purportedly shows Menon and her group stopping the complainant’s car. While the authenticity and context of the video are still under review, it has become a critical piece of evidence in the case.

Legal Charges

Lakshmi Menon and her co-accused face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including:

Wrongful confinement (Section 127(2))

Wrongful restraint (Section 126)

Voluntarily causing hurt (Section 115(2))

Kidnapping (Section 140(2))

Obscene acts (Section 296)

Criminal intimidation (Section 351(2))

Common intention (Section 3(5))

The presence of these multiple sections signals that the police believe the group acted in coordination during the alleged incident.

Court Proceedings

The Kerala High Court has now adjourned the matter to September 17, instructing the police to provide further clarifications. Until then, Lakshmi Menon is shielded from arrest.

About Lakshmi Menon

A trained dancer from Kochi, Lakshmi Menon began her acting journey with the Malayalam film Raghuvinte Swantham Raziya in 2011. She later transitioned into Tamil cinema and earned recognition through notable films such as Sundarapandian (2012) and Kumki (2012). Over the years, her performances have earned her critical acclaim and several awards, cementing her reputation as one of the most talented actors in the South Indian film industry.

What Lies Ahead

As the case unfolds, public attention remains sharply focused on both the allegations and Menon’s defense. While the interim relief provides her breathing space, the upcoming hearing on September 17 will likely determine the course of this high-profile case.

For now, the actress remains caught in a legal storm that has combined elements of celebrity, controversy, and crime, with the truth yet to be firmly established in court.