Singer and TV anchor Rimi Tomy, who is known to be close to actor Dileep, was approached by the police on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the Malayalam actor abduction and sexual assault case.
Police sources confirmed to TNM that Rimi Tomy's statement was taken over the phone. The police reportedly asked her how she'd come to know about the assault of the prominent woman actor which shook the state of Kerala in February this year.
They have also allegedly asked her for a list of persons she called after coming to know about the crime.
The police has been looking into Dileep's real estate dealings, with allegations of illegal deals and land grabbing coming to light. They're said to have enquired if Rimi had any real estate dealings with Dileep.
The singer was also asked about a performance tour abroad, in which she had been part of Dileep's team.
Though the police have confirmed taking the statement, they have not officially revealed any further details.
Rimi Tomy told Manorama News that she has no real estate business with Dileep. She also claimed that there is no illegal financial dealing between them. According to the singer, there were some flaws in tax remittance but that there was no other illegal business.
"I am not the 'madam' in this case. A police officer name Baiju Paulose called and enquired about some stage shows I'd done abroad. He said that police are aware that I have no connection with the case. It is painful to hear fake news about this on TV. Reporters, please clarify with me before putting out such news. I have no problems with the actor who was assaulted," she added.
Dileep was arrested by the police on July 10 after months of speculation that the actor was the mastermind behind the conspiracy which led to the assault of a prominent woman actor on February 17. The police claimed that they have "irrefutable evidence" against the actor.
Others close to Dileep from the industry like Kavya Madhavan, his wife, director Nadirshah, and actor and politician Mukesh who had once employed the prime accused Pulsar Suni, have also come under the police radar and have been questioned.
The Kerala High Court as well as the Angamaly Court denied Dileep bail on grounds that the allegations against him were grievous and that there was sufficient evidence to prove that he was involved in the case. The courts had also observed that granting him bail could compromise the case by allowing the actor a chance to influence witnesses.