Director Balachandrakumar, key witness in 2017 actress assault case, passes away

Filmmaker and key witness in the high-profile actress assault case in Kerala, Balachandrakumar, passed away on Friday morning at a private hospital in Chengannur, Alappuzha. According to reports, he was undergoing treatment for kidney ailments.

The statement issued by Balachandrakumar in the controversial case involving actor Dileep has proven to be crucial. His revelations against Dileep led to police imposing additional serious charges against him.

Balachandrakumar had alleged that Dileep had seen footage of the attack at his house and conspired to endanger the lives of investigating officers.

He further disclosed that he had met Pulsar Suni, one of the key suspects, at Dileep's house just two months before the assault happened in 2017.

It was Dileep's brother, Anoop, who allegedly introduced him to Suni during a housewarming ceremony. Despite Dileep initially denying knowing Suni, Balachandrakumar later revealed that the actor had admitted to the connection but had asked him to keep it quiet.