Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi

Kochi, Nov 5: Malayalam actress Athulya Chandra was arrested along with two others on Thursday for allegedly luring a young doctor to an apartment on the pretext of providing medical treatment to a patient and then brutally assaulting him.

A total of 12 people have been named as accused in the case, of whom police have arrested three so far. The incident took place on November 2.

According to the complaint, Athulya and the doctor were known to each other. She allegedly contacted him, claiming that her mother's younger sister was suffering from serious health problems and required urgent medical attention at her apartment.

Trusting her request, the doctor agreed to visit the flat and reached an apartment near Kochi at around 6.30 pm. However, instead of a patient requiring treatment, he allegedly found a group of people waiting for him.

The complaint stated that 12 persons, including Athulya, were present inside the apartment. Soon after he entered, the doctor was allegedly prevented from leaving and threatened.

The first accused, identified as Bibin, allegedly struck him hard on the face, following which the others joined in and assaulted him while he was made to sit on a chair.

The group also allegedly took away his mobile phones and other belongings. The stolen mobile phones were valued at around Rs 3 lakh.

After managing to escape from the apartment, the doctor approached Kadavanthra police station and lodged a complaint. Police registered a case and launched an investigation.

During the initial probe, three persons, including Athulya, were taken into custody. Police have intensified efforts to trace the remaining nine accused and have reportedly gathered leads regarding their identities.

Investigators are also examining whether a financial dispute or personal enmity was behind the attack. The arrested accused are being questioned, and further arrests are expected.

The incident has drawn attention as the doctor had visited the apartment in response to a request for medical assistance from someone he knew.