Kochi: Martin Joseph, the second accused in the actor abduction case and the former driver of the victim, on Monday complained before a local court of facing threat to his life from a female actor and another senior actor from the Malayalam film industry. Appearing before the Judicial First Class Magistrate court in Angamaly here, Martin submitted a written complaint before the magistrate. The court though observed that the complaint could only be addressed by the trial court but issued directions to ensure the complainant’s safety.
Martin’s father Antony later told reporters that his son had faced life threats from the victim herself as well as a senior actor cum film producer. However, he refused to divulge more information on the nature of threat and also how a person under judicial custody could be issued threat. Martin, a native of Koratty in Thrissur, was arrested after the Special Investigation Team found him to have “direct role” in the kidnap of the female actor in February, 2017. He was driving the victim’s car and according to cops, he gave updates of their position to the gang led by Pulsar Suni. Later the actor was waylaid and kidnapped before the gang allegedly sexually assaulted her and recorded the same.
Meanwhile, the court on Monday extended the remand of eight accused persons in custody till January 20. While being produced in the court, they were also issued copies of the chargesheet submitted by the Special Investigation Team. The court is now slated to hear a petition by actor Dileep, key accused in the case, seeking copies of the evidences including the video footage, on January 17. It is also scheduled to pronounce its order on the leakage of chargesheet on the same day.
