Sexual assault case filed against doctor in Kochi: New developments in case involving film actors

KOCHI: A case of sexual assault was registered against a doctor who was allegedly roughed up by a 12-member gang that included two film personalities in Kochi. A case of sexual assault was filed against Johnson J. Varghese (41), a doctor at a private hospital in Kochi. The complaint was lodged by a close relative of an actress who had been arrested in connection with the assault on the doctor. It is reported that the complainant handed over a phone containing obscene footage to the police. The Infopark Police registered the case against the doctor.

Three individuals, including actress and lawyer Athulya Chandra (32), have been arrested in connection with attacking the doctor. The other arrested suspects are actor and executive producer B. Bibin Perumpilly (Bibin Baby, 42) and KB Vishnu (31). The police intensified the search for nine other suspects who are currently in hiding.

The 41-year-old doctor practices at a private hospital in Kochi. The incident took place on Monday at 6:30 PM at the Essen Springdale apartment complex, located on Junior Janata Road in Ponnurunni. This apartment had been rented by a prominent young actor to accommodate employees of his production company.

The doctor, a native of Kureekad, arrived at the apartment after Athulya informed him that a close relative’s illness had worsened. However, no such relative was present. Instead, the accused—who were waiting at various spots—surrounded and attacked the doctor. A few days earlier, the relative had confided in Athulya that the doctor had attempted to sexually assault her. According to the police, Athulya then devised a plan with her friends to entrap the doctor.

After roughing up the doctor, the accused released him at 10:30 PM. An agreement was reached for the doctor to pay an initial instalment of 25 lakh rupees on Tuesday. However, the doctor—who sought medical treatment at a private hospital in Kalamassery—lodged a complaint with the Kadavanthra Police Station. The complaint further alleged that the accused stole two mobile phones (worth 3 lakh rupees), a smartwatch, and a pair of earpads.