Vinayakan slapped with charges punishable up to 3 years: Police

Kochi: The Kerala Police on Wednesday said that actor Vinayakan was slapped with maximum charges for creating a ruckus at the Ernakulam Police Station. Kochi DCP S Sasidharan was replying to Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas' allegations that the actor was let off easily due to his Left affiliations.

The actor, who abused cops at the police station, was arrested and released on Tuesday night after a medical examination. A case has been filed against the actor for behaving without self-control in a public place, shouting at government officials without cause and behaving in an indecent manner.

"The police have not yielded to any influence. A case has been filed under two sections of the Kerala Police Act for creating a ruckus and obstruction of duty. They are punishable up to three years jail term each. So far, there is no evidence to show that Vinayakan tried to assault the officials. The CCTV footage is also being examined. If it is proved that there was an assult, more sections will be charged and a case will be filed,' the DCP said.

"The police will intervene if he has a personal problem. The actor develops some issues after drinking. There has been a small problem like this in the past as well,' he said.

Congress MLA Uma Thomas had taken to social media to slam authorities for releasing Vinayakan on bail with weak charges.

"We have been watching drunk Vinayakan's antics on media. He was abusing police officers including the SHO on duty at Ernakulam North Station.

Despite coming to the station, behaving in an outrageous manner and obstructing the duties of police officers, he was released on bail by the station under weak charges. Is this the privilege of being a comrade? Or is it following instructions from Cliff House? I'm curious.

Whatever be the case, it goes without saying that the incident is demoralising to a section of police officers who work with dignity..." she said in a Facebook post.