Fort Kochi hotelier Roy Vayalat, two others move HC for anticipatory bail in POCSO case

Kochi: Roy Vayalat, the owner of No 18 hotel in Fort Kochi, caught in a storm over the death of two models last November, has moved the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a POCSO case.

Vayalat was charged under the punishing POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act following the complaint of a Kozhikode woman.

She alleged that Vayalat had molested her 17-year-old daughter during a DJ party at his hotel on November 20, 2021.

Vayalat's partner Saiju Thankachan and his friend Anjali from Kozhikode, accused in the models' death case, are also allegedly involved in this POCSO case.

The three approached the High Court on Saturday. The plea is expected to be heard on Monday.

The police have informed that they will wait for the court's decision before arresting the trio.

However, the three were under investigation in the models' death case.

Earlier, Vayalat was arrested by the police for destroying evidence in this case but was later released on bail by a magistrate court.

On November 1, models Ansi Kabeer and Anjana Shajan, were killed in a car crash in the city. They had attended a party at No 18 Hotel just hours before.

Vayalat's hotel No 18 too has come under scrutiny after reports made clear that alcohol was served there well late into the night, contrary to a government order.

Police are also investigating a complaint that Anjali had tried to sexually abuse the minor daughter of an employee.

Several girls have also come forward with similar complaints.

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