Summary
Lakshmi Menon, the young Malayalam and Tamil film actress, has found herself at the center of a major controversy after being booked along with three others in connection with the alleged abduction and assault of a Kochi-based IT professional. The sensational case, which has not only jolted the city of Kochi but also sent shockwaves across the Malayalam film industry, is now under intense police investigation and judicial scrutiny. With videos of the incident surfacing online and multiple arrests already made, the spotlight has turned on Menon’s involvement, her defense, and the legal battle ahead, making this one of the most closely watched cases in Kerala’s recent history.
What Happened in Kochi?
According to the FIR filed on August 25, 2025, the complainant, identified as Aliyarsha Salim from Aluva, alleged that he was kidnapped and assaulted by Lakshmi Menon and her friends following a bar dispute.
The alleged incident took place on the night of August 24, 2025, near the Ernakulam North Bridge. The complainant claimed that:
- He and his friends had an altercation inside Velocity pub in Kochi with the group that included Lakshmi Menon.
- Later that night, the accused allegedly blocked his car, dragged him out, and forced him into another vehicle.
- He was allegedly beaten, threatened with murder, and later abandoned near the Aluva–Paravur junction.
Several video clips circulating online show Lakshmi Menon present at the scene, reportedly confronting the victim.
Police Action and Arrests
The Ernakulam North Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including:
- Section 140(2): Kidnapping for ransom or coercion
- Section 126: Wrongful restraint
- Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation
Three accused — Midhun, Aneesh, and Sonamol — have already been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. However, Lakshmi Menon, named as the third accused, was not taken into custody.
Lakshmi’s Counterclaim
Lakshmi Menon has denied the allegations, calling them false and fabricated. She filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Kerala High Court, claiming that:
- The complainant had insulted her and her friend Sonamol.
- The police complaint was lodged only to malign her reputation.
- She had no direct involvement in the alleged offences.
Kerala High Court’s Interim Order
On August 27, 2025, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the Kerala High Court granted Lakshmi Menon protection from arrest until September 17, 2025.
- The court stated that she cannot be taken into custody during this interim period.
- The case will be reviewed further when her bail application is heard in detail.
Who is Lakshmi Menon?
Lakshmi Menon began her acting career in 2011 with the Malayalam movie Raghavinte Swantham Raziya. She made her Tamil debut in 2012 with Sundara Pandian, quickly gaining recognition for her roles in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
At just 27 years old, she has acted in several films and was considered a rising talent in South Indian cinema.
Current Status of the Case
- Police continue to investigate the alleged abduction and assault.
- Three suspects remain in judicial custody.
- Lakshmi Menon is under legal protection until September 17, 2025, but remains a prime accused in the FIR.
- The High Court will decide on her anticipatory bail plea in the coming weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Date: August 24, 2025 (Sunday night)
- FIR Filed: August 25, 2025
- Accused: Lakshmi Menon, Midhun, Aneesh, Sonamol
- Victim: IT professional, Aliyarsha Salim from Aluva
- Sections Applied: 140(2), 126, 351(2) of BNS 2023
- Court Status: Interim protection from arrest until September 17
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs on Lakshmi’s Kochi Abduction Case
1. Who is Lakshmi and why is she in the news?
Lakshmi R. Menon is a popular actress known for her roles in Malayalam and Tamil films. She recently hit the headlines after being named as the third accused in an alleged abduction and assault case involving a Kochi-based IT professional.
2. What exactly happened in the Kochi abduction case?
According to the complainant, after a bar dispute on August 24, 2025, Lakshmi Menon and her group allegedly intercepted his car near Ernakulam North Bridge, dragged him out, forced him into another vehicle, and assaulted him before abandoning him near the Aluva–Paravur junction.
3. Who filed the complaint against Lakshmi?
The complaint was filed by Aliyarsha Salim, a 30-year-old IT professional from Aluva. He alleged he was attacked, abducted, and threatened following a quarrel at a Kochi pub.
4. What sections of law has Lakshmi Menon been booked under?
The FIR includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023:
- Section 140(2): Kidnapping for ransom or coercion
- Section 126: Wrongful restraint
- Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation
5. Have the police arrested Lakshmi Menon?
No. While three co-accused — Midhun, Aneesh, and Sonamol — have been arrested, Lakshmi Menon has not been arrested. She moved the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
6. What is the Kerala High Court’s decision in this case?
On August 27, 2025, the High Court granted Lakshmi Menon interim protection from arrest until September 17, 2025, giving her temporary relief. The court will review her anticipatory bail plea in detail later.
7. What is Lakshmi Menon’s defense in this case?
Lakshmi Menon has denied the allegations, calling them false and fabricated. In her bail plea, she argued that the complainant had insulted her and her friend, and that the case was filed only to damage her reputation.
8. What do the video clips from the incident show?
Video footage aired by local channels allegedly shows Lakshmi Menon present at the scene, seen confronting the complainant and his car during the late-night altercation.
9. What is Lakshmi Menon’s background in cinema?
Lakshmi Menon made her acting debut in 2011 in the Malayalam film Raghavinte Swantham Raziya and rose to fame with her Tamil debut in 2012 in Sundara Pandian. At just 27 years old, she has become a familiar face in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
10. What happens next in the Lakshmi Menon case?
The investigation is ongoing. The police are gathering more evidence, while the High Court will take a decision on Lakshmi Menon’s anticipatory bail after September 17, 2025. Until then, she cannot be arrested.