Police probe an alleged kidnapping near Ernakulam North Bridge after a bar dispute; three arrests made; a counter-complaint emerges; search for the actor continues.
Police in Kochi are investigating an alleged kidnapping of an IT employee following a reported bar dispute near the Ernakulam North Bridge, with actor Lakshmi Menon named as the third accused in the case. Authorities say three people have been arrested, video clips showing a roadside confrontation are being examined, and investigators are actively searching for the 27-year-old performer believed to have been at the scene.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of the actor’s profile and the circulation of multiple videos on social media.
According to a police complaint, a group intercepted the complainant’s car near the Ernakulam North Bridge after an alleged argument at a bar, leading to a heated roadside exchange. The complaint alleges the group then dragged the man from his vehicle, forced him into another car, and sped away, prompting a swift response from local stations and city patrol units.
Several circulating video clips appear to show a group, including Lakshmi Menon, surrounding the complainant’s car and engaging in a tense confrontation, though investigators stress that online footage is only one part of their evidence-gathering.
Officers have arrested three suspects identified as Mithun, Aneesh, and Sonamol, while a search is underway for Lakshmi Menon, who has been named as the third accused and is currently untraceable, police said. A spokesperson emphasized that all allegations remain under investigation and that more statements are being recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events.
“We are reviewing CCTV, dashcam, and mobile videos to verify what happened before and after the confrontation,” a Kochi police official said, noting that forensic analysis of the devices is also planned.
The case gained traction after short clips showing the confrontation spread across messaging apps and social platforms, triggering public debate about safety, celebrity accountability, and due process. A local resident who viewed the videos said, “It’s disturbing to watch, and I hope the police get the full picture before drawing conclusions.”
Legal observers caution against rushing to judgment. A Kochi-based criminal lawyer noted, “In an alleged kidnapping scenario involving multiple parties and counter-claims, investigators must carefully weigh video context, witness credibility, and timeline gaps before framing charges.”
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Police also confirmed that a counter-complaint has been filed by members of the group seen with the actor, a development that could reshape how the incident is legally characterized. Investigators are examining whether the encounter escalated from a bar dispute and whether any injuries or medical reports support claims of assault.
Authorities are expected to cross-verify call records, routes taken by the vehicles involved, and possible stops captured on nearby traffic cameras. Officials reiterated that those arrested will be produced before the court as required, and additional arrests could follow based on emerging evidence.
Background on the actor has further intensified interest in the probe. Lakshmi Menon began her career in Malayalam cinema with a supporting role in the 2011 film “Raghavinte Swantham Raziya,” later debuting as a lead in the 2012 Tamil hit “Sundara Pandian.” Her presence in both Malayalam and Tamil films has earned a substantial regional following, making the allegations all the more newsworthy.
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As police continue their search and the courts take up initial filings, entertainment industry watchers say the case underscores how fast-moving social media narratives can influence public perception long before a legal verdict.
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- “In cases like this, digital evidence can be powerful but also misleading without full context,” said a Kochi-based criminal lawyer, urging patience as investigators piece together timelines and corroborate witness accounts.
- “Everyone deserves a fair process, and the videos raised more questions than answers,” said a nearby resident, reflecting a cautious public mood.
FAQs
Who is the main actor named in the case?
The actor named as the third accused is Lakshmi Menon, known for roles in Malayalam and Tamil films.
What does the police complaint allege happened?
The complaint alleges the victim was dragged from his car near Ernakulam North Bridge, forced into another vehicle, and taken away after a bar dispute.
How many people have been arrested so far?
Police say three suspects—Mithun, Aneesh, and Sonamol—have been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping incident.
Is Lakshmi Menon in custody?
No. Police say they are searching for Lakshmi Menon, who is currently untraceable and named as the third accused.
What do the videos show?
Several clips appear to show a group, including the 27-year-old actor, blocking a car and arguing with the driver, though investigators stress context is crucial.
Has a counter-complaint been filed?
Yes. Members of the group seen with the actor have submitted a counter-complaint, which police are evaluating alongside the original allegations.
Where did the incident reportedly occur?
Near the Ernakulam North Bridge in Kochi, following what is described as a dispute at a bar.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police will continue reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, analyzing phone and location data, and presenting updates to the court as required.
This is a developing investigation, and authorities in Kochi are urging patience as they sort through witness statements, video evidence, and competing accounts. With three arrests made, a counter-complaint in play, and the search for Lakshmi Menon ongoing, the case remains fluid. Readers are advised to follow official updates from Kochi police and the courts as verified information becomes available.