Malayalam film director P Balachandrakumar, a crucial witness and whistleblower in the 2017 actor assault case in Kerala, died in the early hours of Friday, December 13. He was under treatment for a critical kidney ailment at the Dr KM Cherian Institute of Medical Science Hospital in Thiruvalla, Kottayam. Balachandrakumar had levelled serious allegations against Dileep, the actor who is accused of masterminding the crime, leading to a new investigation and subsequent trial in the case.
In the last week of November, Balachandrakumar’s wife, Sheeba, had issued a statement seeking financial assistance to cover his mounting medical expenses. The director had been battling multiple health complications, including kidney failure that required frequent dialysis, severe COVID-19, heart issues, and tuberculosis.
Balachandrakumar’s friend and actor Prakash Bare wrote on Facebook, “After a long battle with illness and injustice, Balu has departed... Farewell, dear friend.”
Balachandrakumar’s family said they were in need of financial assistance to pay the medical bills and to ensure that his body is taken to Thiruvananthapuram.
Account Details:
Name: SHEEBA S M
Bank: KERALA GRAMIN BANK
Account Number: 40682101090657
IFSC: KLGB0040682
MICR Code: 695480032
Google Pay: 9633433333 (SHEEBA)
Balachandrakumar first gave a public statement against Dileep, in December 2021. Dileep is the eighth accused in the case and is accused to have paid money to a hired criminal named Pulsae Suni to sexually assault the female actor and record it on video.
Balachandrakumar alleged that Dileep possessed a copy of the visuals and that he had witnessed Dileep and his family watching it. He also alleged that he had met Pulsar Suni at Dileep’s house. Dileep had maintained that he did not know Pulsar Suni.
Balachandrakumar supported his claims with a series of audio clips, leading to fresh investigations and an additional case against Dileep and a few people close to him.
Despite his deteriorating health, Balachandrakumar attended the trial for 40 consecutive days. His wife Sheeba noted that his involvement in the case exacerbated his health issues.
His health battles included surgery for kidney stones, an angioplasty, bypass surgery for multiple heart blockages, and he was in preparation for a kidney transplant.
Balachandrakumar directed the 2013 film Cowboy and was planning another project titled Pick Pocket with Dileep. It was during discussions for this film that he claimed to have discovered Dileep’s possession of the assault visuals.