KOLLAM: Actor and MLA Mukesh has expressed shock over the involvement of Dileep in the actor assault case and said ‘AMMA’ had believed Dileep’s claim about his innocence. “I am shocked to hear about his involvement in the crime. In the general body meeting of AMMA, we could not disbelieve him when he said he had no role in the case. He was like a brother to me and I never expected this from him,” said Mr Mukesh. Taking a strong stand against him in the wake of the arrest, AMMA has suspended him from its preliminary membership, he added.
Mr Mukesh also said Pulsar Suni, the main accused in the case, was his driver for a year and was working for daily wages. “I never knew about his criminal background. I appointed him as he was a good driver and was flexible with my timings. He was later ousted because of his speeding,” he said. He also said he had contacted the victim of the attack over phone to find out whether she was satisfied with the investigation. “The actor was happy with the probe. I had also promised my cooperation to get her justice,” he added.
Mr Mukesh, who had faced the wrath of party workers for his outburst during a press meet after the general body meeting of AMMA in Kochi earlier, reiterated that it was an “immature” reaction. He was also criticised by the CPM district committee last week for his behaviour. It is learnt that Mukesh was asked to reveal his stand on the issue after Dileep was arrested. Meanwhile, the Kollam district Congress committee immersed Mukesh’s effigy in the sea at Kollam beach and demanded his resignation as MLA. The Youth Congress and Yuva Morcha activists also took out marches towards his house and office in Kollam.
