Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday granted bail to Malayalam movie director Omar Lulu in connection with a rape case. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, in his ruling, noted that prima facie, the relationship between the director and the complainant appeared to be consensual. However, the court added that the investigating officer may continue the investigation into the matter, reported LiveLaw.

"I don't want to make any observations about the merits of the case because an investigation is ongoing. But, prima facie I am of the opinion that it was a consensual relationship between the parties. But I make it clear that the investigating officer is free to investigate the matter and collect materials. But this is a fit case in which the petitioner is to be released on bail invoking the powers under Section 438 of Criminal Procedure Code," the Justice said.

Omar Lulu was booked under Section 376 of IPC based on the complaint given by the victim. He denied the allegations, saying that they were in a consensual relationship. The director presented proof of their stay in various hotels in and around Kochi. He showed that both of their ID cards were used to get a room in one of the hotels.

A young Malayalam actor lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Lulu, alleging that he raped her multiple times after promising her a role in a film. The statement was recorded by the Nedumbassery police.