Malayalam actor Mani surrenders, released on bail

Ace Malayalam comedian and character artiste Kalabhavan Mani surrendered to police Friday and was presented in a court which released him on bail.

Mani was on the run since May 14 after three forest officials filed a complaint that they were roughed up by the actor after they stopped his vehicle as part of a routine night checking.

According to the forest officials, Mani, after refusing to cooperate with the forest officials, drove away only to return soon and roughed up these forest officials.

The actor surrendered after the Kerala High Court, disposing his anticipatory bail plea Thursday, asked him to appear before police and directed them to take him to the local court in their jurisdiction after completing their preliminary probe.

A huge crowd had gathered at the Vettilapara police station after news spread that the actor, who hails from this district, was expected to arrive there. As the actor arrived, he was taken into custody.

After 30 minutes, police took Mani to a state-run medical centre where the customary medical check up was done and from there, he was produced before the Chalakudy first class judicial magistrate court.

At the court, he said that he has done no wrong and after recording his statements as directed by the high court, he was given bail.

The high court had directed that bail should be given to him after he furnishes a security of Rs.50,000 and two other sureties.

Emerging from the court after the bail was granted, the actor thanked the court and the government for his bail and did not take any questions from media persons.