The Kerala High Court has given interim protection from arrest to actress Lakshmi Menon in a case of alleged abduction and assault of an IT professional in Kochi. The court will hear the matter again on September 17 after seeking a detailed police report.
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KOCHI: The Kerala High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Malayalam and Tamil actress Lakshmi R Menon. The case is related to the alleged kidnapping and assault of an IT employee in Kochi.
The order was passed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who directed that Lakshmi Menon should not be arrested until September 17, 2025. The matter will be taken up again after the police submit further details.
Allegations Against Lakshmi Menon
According to the complaint filed by an IT professional, the incident took place on August 24, 2025, after a dispute at a bar in Kochi. The complainant alleged that:
- He was chased by a group that included the actress.
- His car was stopped near North Railway Overbridge.
- He was forcibly pulled out and taken into another vehicle.
- He was allegedly beaten inside the car before being released.
The Ernakulam North Police have already arrested three others accused in the case — Mithun, Aneesh, and Sonamol — who are currently in judicial custody.
Lakshmi Menon’s Defence
Through her anticipatory bail petition, Lakshmi Menon has strongly denied the charges. She has claimed that:
- The accusations are false and fabricated to damage her reputation.
- The complainant and his friends had allegedly verbally and sexually harassed her and another female friend at the bar.
- After leaving the bar, she was allegedly followed and even attacked with a beer bottle.
The actress has argued that she is the victim, not the attacker, and requested the court to protect her from arrest.
Legal Charges Under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023
The police have booked Lakshmi Menon and others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including:
- Wrongful Confinement (Section 127(2))
- Wrongful Restraint (Section 126)
- Voluntarily Causing Hurt (Section 115(2))
- Kidnapping (Section 140(2))
- Obscene Acts (Section 296)
- Criminal Intimidation (Section 351(2))
- Common Intention (Section 3(5))
These charges indicate that the police believe the accused acted together in planning and executing the alleged offence.
Video Evidence Surfaces
A video clip of the incident has reportedly circulated on social media platforms, further fuelling public interest and debate over the case.
About Lakshmi Menon
Lakshmi Menon, a Kochi-based dancer and actress, made her Malayalam film debut in Raghuvinte Swantham Raziya (2011).
She later gained fame in Tamil cinema with hits like Sundarapandian (2012) and Kumki (2012), winning several awards for her performances.
Laws & Sections Applied in Lakshmi Menon Kidnapping Case
| Section (BNS 2023) | Name of Offence | How It Relates to Lakshmi Menon’s Case | Possible Punishment (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 127(2) | Wrongful Confinement | The complainant alleged that he was forcibly confined inside a car after being dragged out of his own vehicle. | Jail up to 3 years and/or fine. |
| Section 126 | Wrongful Restraint | Police say the victim’s car was chased and blocked near North Railway Overbridge, stopping him from moving freely. | Jail up to 1 month or fine up to Rs 500. |
| Section 115(2) | Voluntarily Causing Hurt | The IT professional claimed he was beaten inside the car by the accused group. | Jail up to 1 year or fine up to Rs 10,000, or both. |
| Section 140(2) | Kidnapping | The alleged act of forcing the complainant into another vehicle falls under kidnapping provisions. | Jail up to 7 years and fine. |
| Section 296 | Obscene Acts | The FIR also mentions verbal abuses and obscene gestures made during the altercation at the bar. | Jail up to 3 months or fine up to Rs 1,000, or both. |
| Section 351(2) | Criminal Intimidation | The complainant alleged he was threatened and intimidated by the accused group. | Jail up to 2 years or fine, or both. |
| Section 3(5) | Common Intention | Police claim the accused, including Lakshmi Menon, acted together with a shared plan to commit the alleged offence. | Punishment same as if each accused did the act individually. |
Case Title: Lakshmi R Menon v State of Kerala
Case Number: Bail Application No. 11246/2025
Next Hearing Date: September 17, 2025
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