Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted conditional bail to YouTuber-journalist A. Shankar, popularly known as Savukku Shankar, in a criminal case linked to alleged defamatory remarks about the feature film Red and Follow.
The court granted relief after observing that the police investigation had been completed and a charge sheet had already been filed. The bail order was passed by Justice R. Sakthivel during proceedings before the vacation bench.
While allowing Shankar’s petition seeking bail, the court took note of the fact that there was no further requirement for custodial interrogation since the investigation process had concluded.
However, the court imposed certain conditions and directed Shankar to appear daily before the Adambakkam Police Station until further orders.
The case stems from allegations that Shankar had made defamatory statements regarding the production of the film Red and Follow.
According to the prosecution, Shankar publicly claimed that the movie had been financed using money generated through the sale of narcotic drugs allegedly linked to Ajay Vandaiyar. Investigators argued that such statements adversely affected the reputation of the complainant, identified as P. Mahesh.
The prosecution further alleged that after hearing the claims, Mahesh contacted Shankar to seek clarification.
During that interaction, Shankar allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh over the phone.
According to the complaint, Mahesh later met Shankar at his office in July last year and carried Rs 1 lakh in cash. During the meeting, Shankar allegedly grabbed the money, physically assaulted Mahesh by kicking him, verbally abused him using offensive language, and issued threats of serious consequences.
Based on Mahesh’s complaint, the Adambakkam Police registered a case against Shankar under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The charges include allegations related to criminal intimidation, extortion, assault, use of abusive language and other associated offences.
With the High Court granting conditional bail, Shankar has secured temporary relief while the criminal proceedings in the case continue before the trial court.
(IANS)
