Case against director Shrikumar Menon based on Manju Warrier's complaint
Malayalam film maker VA Shrikumar Menon has been booked by Thrissur East Police on the basis of a complaint filed by actor Manju Warrier alleging that he had attempted to defame her through organised social media defamation campaigns. The actor had also alleged that she fears that he might endanger her life.
The complaint was filed with state Police Chief Loknath Behera on Monday and was forwarded to the Thrissur East police for necessary action.
The police booked Shrikumar Menon on Wednesday under section 354 D of the Indian Penal Code for stalking (any man who follows a woman and contacts or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear of disinterest by the woman), and section 509 for intending to insult the modesty of any woman. He was also booked under section 120 (O) of Kerala Police Act for defaming a woman on social media.
"The actor's statement will be recorded based on which further action will be taken in the case," an officer of the police station told TNM.
Manju in her complaint had reportedly alleged that she feared misuse of letter pads in the name of Manju Warrier Foundation and blank cheques she had signed, which were in the possession of Shrikumar Menon.
Manju Warrier also sought support of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).Shrikumar Menon had responded to Manju's move by putting a post on how he 'stood with her during the time of hardships'. Reacting to this, filmmaker Vidhu Vincent and dubbing artiste Bhagya Lakshmi had come out in Manju's support.
An ad film maker, Shrikumar Menon directed Mohanlal starred Odiyan, his only feature film.
Manju played the female lead in the movie. The much hyped movie did not fare as expected in the box office and Shrikumar Menon had put the blame on Manju for not promoting it enough.
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