Kochi: The Crime Branch is on the lookout for actor Dileep’s close friend G Sharath, alias Surya Sarath, in connection with the alleged conspiracy to endanger the investigators of the 2017 case pertaining to the abduction and sexual assault of a popular actress. It is also suspected that he was in possession of the crucial evidence in the form of video footage of the crime.
Sharath went underground after the investigators called him for recording his statement in connection with the recent case registered over the conspiracy to eliminate investigators as alleged by film director Balachandrakumar. He is reportedly trying to seek anticipatory bail.
The investigation team has reportedly gathered evidence regarding the investment in Sharath’s business ventures by Dileep's brother Anoop.
Filmmaker Balachandrakumar was earlier summoned by the Crime Branch officials to identify Sharath’s photos, video footage and voice. The former had claimed that Dileep, Sharath, Anoop and a few others were the conspirators and were in possession of the video clip on the sexual assault. (Dileep is a co-accused in the old case as well as in the latest one on conspiracy.)
The probe team is yet to confirm whether the 'VIP' referred to by Balachandrakumar was Sharath. The investigating officials believe that since Balachandrakumar was known to Sharath already, the possibility of him being the 'VIP' referred to by the director appears to be remote.
The Crime Branch will present the further investigation report before the trial court on Thursday.
Deposition delayed
Meanwhile, the confidential statement of Shobhana, the mother of main accused Pulsar Suni, regarding the allegation of murder attempt on her son could not be recorded due to the detection of COVID-19 cases in the magistrate court at Aluva.
The confidential statement of Shobhana was to be taken in connection with the disclosure made by Suni that there was an attempt on his life after the sexual assault carried out by him while he was in hiding soon after the crime five years ago.
Shobhana, who visited him in the jail on Wednesday, said her son was under severe mental stress.
