Kannur: A complaint has been filed alleging that members of actor Jayasurya’s entourage assaulted a photographer during the actor’s visit to Kottiyoor temple. The complainant, Sajeev Nair, who works as a local media person and is also the official photographer appointed by the Devaswom, sought medical aid at the Kottiyoor Primary Health Centre following the incident. He has reportedly filed a complaint with the Kelakam Police.

The incident took place on Friday morning. According to Sajeev, those who were accompanying Jayasurya assaulted him. “Around 12 people were with Jayasurya. Three among them physically attacked me,” he alleged.

The altercation reportedly occurred near the Devaswom office. Sajeev said that he attempted to photograph Jayasurya during his temple visit, but was confronted and attacked after someone asked, “Didn’t we tell you not to take photos?”

A video showing the verbal spat between Sajeev and the alleged attackers has been circulating on social media. There are also allegations that the attackers damaged his camera.

Sajeev added that he was informed about Jayasurya’s visit by the Devaswom executive officer and that he was present in his official capacity as the designated photographer for the Kottiyoor Vaishakha Mahotsavam. “I’m also a journalist,” he noted.

“One of the elder members in Jayasurya’s group first grabbed and twisted the camera lens. He told me not to take photos or videos. Even after I identified myself as the Devaswom photographer, he insisted I couldn’t take pictures. Later, three members of the group punched me in the stomach,” Sajeev alleged.