Bhavana assaulted in moving car by driver, files complaint

The incident took place on Friday night at 9.30 when she was returning from a film shoot. It is said that a car hit her vehicle from behind, following which an argument erupted over the accident. The passengers of the other car are reported to have forcefully entered her car and driven off with the actress. She was allegedly molested and her pictures were clicked inside the running car. “For about one hour she was held captive in the car and they kept driving around till 10.30 pm after which she was dropped near the place where she lived,” police sources said.

Meanwhile, it is heard that the actress is said to have escaped and taken shelter in a film director’s house in Kakkannad. The director informed the police after which the cops arrived at the place and took down the actor’s statements. The police reportedly have got a lead on those absconding. 

Another version doing the rounds is that Bhavana’s previous car driver Sunil Kumar, who has several criminal charges against him, is said to be behind the incident. “Martin had been in contact with Sunil Kumar who is absconding after the incident,” said police officials. 

Veteran actor and Lok Sabha member Innocent, President of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, told reporters in Kochi that he has tried to get in touch with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after the incident. “I was told by his secretary that he is enroute to Delhi. I will speak to him later. I also spoke to the head of the police force Loknath Behra, who has assured me that the police is working on the case and all those behind the alleged kidnapping will be arrested,” added Innocent. Reacting to the incident, DGP Loknath Behra said to the media, “The fact is that a young lady has been attacked and victimised. The investigation is on and we have not got all the details. What we understand is that they are all known people. Media should be responsible and not sensationalise the incident.” 

Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala, who was on a day-long protest at his home constituency near Alappuzha over the “sudden deterioration” of the law and order situation in the state, expressed shock over the incident. “If this is the plight of a celebrity, what can one say about ordinary people. This is really shocking,” said Chennithala, a former state Home Minister. 

Bhavana, whose original name is Karthika Menon made her acting debut in renowned Malayalam director Kamal’s film Nammal in 2002, which won her critical acclaim and various honours. In a career spanning over a decade, she has appeared in over 75 films including Chithiram Pesuthadi and Deepavali and has won multiple awards.