Actor-producer Vijay Babu was arrested earlier on Monday, and then granted bail in the sexual assault case filed by an actress in April. The bail was granted after depositing Rs 5 lakh and with two sureties on the condition that Babu will make himself available for questioning from 9 am to 6 pm till July 3.
The police had questioned him on Monday at the Ernakulam South Station. Babu will be taken to places mentioned by the complainant for gathering evidence soon. It was on April 22 that the actress approached the police with her complaint. In it, she alleged that Babu — the founder of a film production company — sexually harassed her on the pretense of giving her a role. The police had issued a lookout notice then after learning that Babu had fled the country. His passport was also cancelled.
Two cases were registered against Babu — one, for sexually harassing the young actress; and the other, for revealing the name of the victim, which is a crime.
Earlier, while granting him the anticipatory bail, the High Court had warned Babu against defaming the complainant or her family members, especially through social media. He has also been barred from leaving the state. Babu, however, had maintained that the case is a ploy to taint his reputation.
