Malayalam actress and lawyer Athulya Chandra was arrested in Kochi on Thursday alongside two others following allegations that she lured a doctor to an apartment under false pretenses to orchestrate an assault and robbery. The incident, which occurred on November 2, has triggered an ongoing police investigation into serious criminal charges.
The situation began when the 41-year-old doctor received a call from Chandra, with whom he was acquainted. According to the complaint filed with the Kadavanthra police, she claimed her maternal aunt was suffering from urgent health complications and required immediate medical attention at an apartment in the Essen Springdale complex in Vyttila. Expecting a legitimate medical emergency, the doctor arrived at the residence around 6:30 p.m., only to find himself confronted by a group of approximately 12 individuals.
The Alleged Assault and Coercion
Inside the flat, the scenario shifted rapidly from a medical consultation to a violent confrontation. The doctor reported that he was prevented from leaving the premises, held in wrongful confinement, and subjected to repeated physical abuse. As documented in the FIR registered on November 4, the accused group allegedly accused the doctor of drugging and raping the aunt of one of the individuals present. During the altercation, the doctor claimed he was struck by a man identified as Bibin, with others in the room joining the assault while he was forced to sit in a chair.
Beyond the physical violence, the complainant alleged that the group stripped him of his valuables, including two mobile phones, a smartwatch, and a pair of ear pods, with a combined estimated value of Rs 3.25 lakh. The police investigation, as reported by Rediff.com, indicates that the actress allegedly threatened the doctor’s life during the ordeal. The Kadavanthra police have since launched a broader inquiry into the identities and specific roles of the remaining nine suspects who have yet to be apprehended.
Legal Charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Authorities have registered the FIR under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include Section 127 for wrongful confinement, Section 115 for voluntarily causing hurt, Section 296 regarding obscene acts and songs, Section 351 for criminal intimidation, and Section 310, which pertains to dacoity.
The investigation is currently focused on reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the doctor’s arrival and identifying the motivations behind the alleged trap. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that while Chandra and two others are currently in custody, the search for the remaining participants remains a priority.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 2, 2026 |
| Location | Essen Springdale Apartments, Vyttila, Kochi |
| Primary FIR Date | November 4, 2026 |
| Estimated Value of Items | Rs 3.25 Lakh |
| Total Suspects Named | 12 |
Authorities are expected to provide further clarity on the roles of the detained individuals as the investigation moves into its next phase.
