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The Kochi City Police are considering additional charges against businessman Boby Chemmannur, stemming from a confidential statement given by a woman actor. This statement, recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, forms a crucial part of the police's argument against granting Chemmannur bail. The Ernakulam Central police inspector, Aneesh Joy, outlined fourteen reasons for opposing bail in a report submitted to the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate court. These reasons highlight the severity of the accusations and the potential risks associated with releasing Chemmannur before a full investigation and trial.
A key element of the opposition to bail centers on the potential invocation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 78 (stalking). This consideration arises directly from the evaluation of the woman actor's confidential statement. Currently, Chemmannur faces non-bailable charges under Section 75(1)(i) and 75(1)(iv) of the BNS, pertaining to unwelcome sexual advances and sexually colored remarks, along with Section 67 of the IT Act, concerning the transmission of obscene material. The police argue that the repeated offensive remarks made by Chemmannur, coupled with intelligence suggesting he might flee the country if released, pose a significant threat to the actor's safety. The severity of the charges, the nature of the alleged offenses, and the perceived threat to the victim combine to create a compelling case against bail.
Beyond the immediate charges, the police's argument emphasizes the broader societal implications of the case. They contend that the accused’s actions represent an offense against the entire community of women. With the increasing prevalence of sexist comments on social media, granting bail, the police argue, could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar behavior from others. The ongoing forensic examination of Chemmannur's mobile phone further strengthens the police's case for denying bail. The investigation is still underway, and releasing him prematurely could significantly hinder the process of collecting evidence and constructing a comprehensive chargesheet. Furthermore, the police request that the court seize Chemmannur's passport to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation.
The police report also draws attention to Chemmannur’s past legal record, highlighting two additional cases registered against him last year. One, registered by the Palluruthy police, involves charges such as breach of trust, dishonestly receiving stolen property, and cheating. The other, filed by the Meppadi police, includes charges under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act. These past offenses, the police suggest, indicate a pattern of disregard for the law and further reinforce the need to deny bail. The report concludes that the complexity of the case, the time required to gather evidence and file the chargesheet, and the overall risk to the victim and societal implications necessitate the denial of bail until a thorough investigation is concluded and a trial can proceed.
In essence, the police are building a robust case against granting Boby Chemmannur bail. The combination of serious charges related to sexual harassment, concerns about the safety of the victim, pending forensic analysis, the accused's history, and the broader societal implications of granting bail creates a compelling argument for denying his release. The court will ultimately decide whether to grant bail, but the police have clearly outlined significant reasons to believe that Chemmannur should remain in custody pending further investigation and trial.
Source: Police may invoke additional charges against Boby Chemmannur