Malayalam Director Omar Lulu Gets Interim Anticipatory Bail In Alleged Sexual Assault Case

Malayalam filmmaker Omar Lulu, who was recently accused of sexual assault by a young actress, was granted interim bail by the Kerala High Court on Thursday, May 30. The relief was given to the director by Justice A Badharudeen on Lulu's plea seeking anticipatory bail in the case. 

Woman accuses Omar Lulu of sexual assault

The Court granted him relief and in case he is arrested, he has to be given bail on a bond of two sureties. The case has been postponed for further hearing on June 6. The complainant woman, reportedly a young actor, had sent the complaint to the Kochi City police commissioner, and after the FIR was registered, the case was transferred to the Nedumbassery police station under the Ernakulam rural police, as the crime was committed under its jurisdiction. 

Lulu has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 376 (Punishment for rape).  Incidentally, the victim had acted in the films of Lulu and according to him, they were good friends and had travelled together. However, after a rift in their friendship, they have not had any contact for the past several months.

Omar Lulu rubbishes sexual assault claims against him

Reacting to the allegations, Lulu denied the sexual assault accusations against him and alleged that the complaint was made to extort money from him. Onmanorama quoted Omar Lulu's statement that read, "I have been friends with this girl for a long time. She accompanied me on many trips. However, there was a rift in our friendship, and we haven't been in contact for six months. She also acted in my recent movie. Now, as the new movie started, she came forward with such a complaint. The motive behind such an accusation could be her frustration at not being given a chance in the film. Sometimes, it could also be part of an attempt to extort money."

(with inputs from Agencies)