Kochi: With the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court set to pronounce the verdict in the 2017 actress assault case on December 8, the third accused, B Manikandan, allegedly attempted suicide by cutting the veins on his hands on Friday night, police said.

According to officers at the Palarivattom police station, Manikandan attempted to harm himself minutes after being released on bail, following his arrest for creating a public nuisance under the influence of alcohol.

“He attempted to commit suicide by cutting the veins on his hands after obtaining bail. The incident occurred very close to the police station. Local residents and police personnel rushed him to a nearby hospital and saved his life,” a police officer said.

The exact motive behind the attempt remains unclear, he added.

Manikandan was later discharged and sent with his family members.

Manikandan, a native of Thammanam, was arrested on February 20, 2017, by the special investigation team probing the actress assault case. He was nabbed from Palakkad. 

In the 2017 incident, the actress—who has worked in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films—was abducted and sexually assaulted inside a moving car for nearly two hours on the night of February 17, 2017. The crime was recorded by the assailants, purportedly to blackmail her.

There are 10 accused in the case, including actor Dileep, all currently out on bail.

All accused have been directed to appear before the trial court on December 8, when the verdict will be delivered.