Actor Santhanam approaches Madras HC for anticipatory bail in assault case

Fearing arrest in connection with a case of physically assaulting a realtor, Santhanam approached the Madras High Court seeking an anticipatory bail on Tuesday, October 10.

Valasaravakkam police have filed separate cases against Santhanam and realtor Shanmugasundaram under the sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 294-B (recites or utters any obscene words) and 506(1) (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, The Hindu reports.

"In order to escape from his liability, the defacto-complaiant created a scenario and he lodged a false complaint against me as counter blast to harass and humiliate me. I state that I am innocent and I am no way connected to the alleged offence. I am a law-abiding citizen and I am having a permanent address and as such, I am ready to offer substantial sureties for my release," The News Minute quoted Santhanam as saying in his petition.

He has also assured the court that he would not tamper any evidence.

Reports say that Santhanam had planned to construct a building near Kundrathur and had paid a big amount to Shanmugasundaram. The project did not take off on time and it came to a halt over a period of time.

Furious with the poor work progress, Santhanam demanded Shanmugasundaram to repay the amount paid by him. The realtor kept dodging the actor and failed to return the money even after the agreement was cancelled.

On Monday, October 9, the duo met at Shanmugasundaram's office in Valasaravakkam to settle the dispute. A heated argument later escalated into a physical assault.

Shanmugasundaram was the first to hit the actor with a flower vase and Santhanam along with his manager Ramesh retaliated by beating up the realtor and his friend Prem Anand, The Hindu reports.

Both the actor and realtor suffered minor injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital. Later, Shanmugasundaram filed a case against the actor and Santhanam too filed a counter-complaint.