Popular Malayalam actor Sreenath Bhasi who acted in many films like Trance, Kumbalangi nights etc was arrested by The Kerala police for abusing a female journalist at a press conference.

In her complaint the anchor said when she asked a naughty question to rate actors in the movie based on their “rowdiness and pranks” he asked her not to ask such silly questions. When she insisted, he stopped his interview and asked the crew to switch off the camera. Once the camera was turned off, she said, the actor abused her and the crew verbally which was recorded on phone. The woman filed a police complaint against him following this incident.

Bhasi was arrested after being summoned by the police for questioning. “We have recorded his arrest. He will be taken for a medical examination,” police said. The arrest was recorded under sections 354 A (1) (IV), 509 and 294 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 354 A (1) (IV) of IPC deals with the offence of making sexually coloured remarks. Section 509 deals with word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman, while section 294 B deals with uttering any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place.

Bhasi was later released under station bail on Monday evening, as per a report by sources. In response to the case, Sreenath Bhasi defended himself by claiming that he had not used any abusive words at the complainant. It was only a reaction to the misconduct towards him.