Cinema VinesMalayalam actress and practicing lawyer Athulya Chandra has been taken into custody by police in Kochi following allegations that she was involved in the assault and robbery of a young doctor on November 2. The incident, which has attracted media attention, reportedly began when the doctor was lured to a location under the pretext of receiving medical treatment, only to be attacked and robbed of mobile phones worth approximately Rs 3 lakh.
Investigators say the confrontation stemmed from a financial dispute tied to the doctor’s friendship with one of Chandra’s relatives. According to police reports, Chandra and another accused, Bipin Perumbally, demanded that the doctor pay Rs 6 crore to settle the matter. When the doctor refused, the group allegedly threatened to release private photographs and personal chat conversations, a tactic that has raised concerns about a possible honey‑trap operation.
Chandra is one of three people arrested so far in a case that reportedly involves 12 accused. Police are also looking into the background of Vishnu, a driver linked to one of the accused, who reportedly has eight criminal cases on record, including charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and assault.
The investigation is still underway, with authorities planning to record statements from Chandra’s relative to clarify the circumstances of the dispute. As the case unfolds, the legal and film communities are watching closely, given Chandra’s dual career as an actress in Malayalam and other South Indian film industries and her credentials as a lawyer.
