In a relief for Malayalam actor Dileep, behind bars for 85 days in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a South Indian actress, the Kerala High court today granted him bail but with stringent conditions.
Justice Sunil Thomas said he should not tamper with evidence.
Dileep should surrender his passport, deposit a bail bond of Rs one lakh and two solvent sureties for the like amount besides appear before investigating officers as and when required, the court said.
This was the fifth time that Dileep approached a court for bail.
The court also said he should not influence or threaten the victim or witness by any means including words expressed through print and electronic media.
Since the investigation against Dileep was in the final stages, his further custody was not necessary, the court held.
Four bail pleas filed by Dileep were earlier rejected -- twice each in a magistrate court at Angamaly and the high court.
Dileep has been lodged in the Aluva sub-jail after being arrested in the case on July 10.
The police have claimed that a conspiracy to abduct and assault the actress in a moving car and film the act was hatched by Dileep.
During his 85-day incarceration, he was permitted to come out of the jail only for few hours on September 6 to enable him to perform certain rituals in connection with his father's death anniversary.
Dileep's actress-wife Kavya Madhavan had also been questioned by investigating officers and fearing arrest she had moved the high court for anticipatory bail, last month.
However, after police gave assurance in the court that she will not be arrested, it was dismissed.
Dileep's friend and director Nadirshah had also been extensively questioned by investigating officers.
His anticipatory bail plea is coming up before the high court tomorrow.
Six persons, including key accused Pulsar Suni, were arrested in connection with the actress abduction case.
The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on February 17 night and later escaped in a busy area.
On hearing about the bail, Dileep's fans collected in front of the Aluva sub-jail and distributed sweets.
The fans said they would take out a procession. They also garlanded a huge cut-out of the actor, who is expected to be released later in the day.
Ernakulam Rural SP A V George said the actor will be released immediately.
Following his imprisonment, the release of Dileep's film "Ram Leela" had been held up several times, but it hit theatres last Friday and is running to packed houses across the state.
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