Kerala businessman held after sexual harassment complaint by actor

Kochi Police on Wednesday apprehended businessman Boby Chemmannur in connection with alleged sexually inappropriate remarks that demeaned women. Chemmannur was taken into custody at his resort, Boche 1000 Acre, located in Wayanad’s Meppadi, and subsequently transported to the AR camp at Puthurvayal before being moved to Kochi.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by Malayalam actor Honey Rose, who accused the businessman-philanthropist, also known as Boche, of sexual harassment. The complaint was lodged with the Ernakulam Central Police on Tuesday. As a result, a case was registered against Chemmannur under section 75(4) (sexually coloured remarks) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material through electronic media) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

In response to the allegations, Chemmannur denied any wrongful intent during the inauguration of a jewellery store. He expressed confusion over the timing of the complaint, noting that the event had taken place months ago. 

He stated, "I had compared Honey Rose to Kunti Devi from the Mahabharata, and that is true. At that time, she did not file a complaint. I only learned of it now. There was no wrong intention behind it. Calling someone Kunti Devi is not inappropriate. Stars are often adorned with jewellery at such events, as has happened many times before. Neither Honey nor I found anything wrong with it, so I don't understand why this complaint is being filed now. I believe it was a misunderstanding."

It has been reported that Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally spoke to the actor about her complaints. In response, Rose reportedly observed that the police action had been 'comforting'.

Rose's complaint highlighted the harassment she faced during the jewellery store opening in Alakode, Kannur, on 7 August. She also described the challenges she encountered on various platforms in the aftermath of the incident.

Additionally, Rose filed complaints against at least 20 YouTubers for using obscene thumbnails featuring her image in their videos. Following advice from ADGP Manoj Abraham and Kochi City Police commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, Rose met with them personally before submitting her complaint.

On Tuesday, Rose reaffirmed that it was her decision to make her identity public. “The insults were made directly in my name. I see no reason to conceal my identity when I’m raising this issue,” she stated.