Kerala bizman held after actor alleges sexual harassment

KOCHI: Kerala Police arrested Thrissur-based businessman Boby Chemmanur at a resort in Wayanad early Wednesday, following allegations made by a Malayalam actor that he had made sexually coloured remarks against her. The actor alleged Chemmanur insulted her at the inauguration of a jewellery showroom in Kannur and made obscene remarks at another event. She provided a detailed confidential statement to the Ernakulam first class judicial magistrate.

The arrest happened less than 24 hours after a case was registered. Chemmanur was transported to Kochi by evening, with a stop at a police camp in Wayanad. Police said he would be presented before a magistrate Thursday. The 62-year-old is the director of Chemmanur International Jewellers and founder of Life Vision Charitable Trust. He gained recognition in 2012 by signing football legend Diego Maradona as a brand ambassador and bringing him to Kannur.

In addition to Chemmanur's case, police are also probing a cyberattack complaint filed by the actor. The case involves around 30 people and centres on sexist comments directed at her on social media.