The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to actor Suresh Gopi in a case related to the "improper touching" of a woman journalist. The case involved questioning the actor by the Kozhikode Police in November of the previous year.
The High Court clarified that while there may not be a necessity for arrest, if it were to happen, Gopi should be granted bail. Sensing the possibility of arrest, the actor had filed an anticipatory bail plea with the High Court on December 29. The police had included Section 354 (using criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty) in the charge sheet.
The incident in question took place on October 27, 2023, when Suresh Gopi, addressing media persons, placed his hand on the shoulder of a woman journalist while responding to her questions. The incident led to protests from journalist bodies, accusing Gopi of inappropriate behavior, despite him issuing an apology the next day. The woman journalist subsequently filed a complaint against the actor.
Suresh Gopi, contesting the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket, has faced accusations of being targeted through this case by his supporters.
(With Agency Inputs)
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