Actor Vijayakumar granted bail

The Ernakulam Sessions Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to noted supporting actor Vijayakumar, who allegedly attempted to commit suicide on Wednesday last week by cutting the veins of his wrist while in police custody in connection with a theft of Rs. 25 lakhs.

Earlier, Ernakulam City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham had ordered investigation officers to arrest the actor on Saturday after discharge from the hospital, where he was admitted after the suicide attempt.

The investigation team found that Vijayakumar has close links with the pipe money mafia based in Chennai. Vijayakumar is suspected to be the leader of their dealings in Kerala. Police have also found that his relative Marshal and driver Gijin are the carriers.

Vijyakumar had taken a loan of Rs. 25 lakhs from George, a businessman in Kochi. Later, he handed over this amount to his relative Marshal to return the loan to George. While Marshal was on his way to return the money, a four-member gang attacked him and snatched away the money after spraying chilly powder on his face at Kalamassery near Ernakulam. This was a plot planned by Vijayakumar, police officials said. When police checked Vijayakumar's cell phone, it was found that calls were made and received from the gang involved in the attack.

Vijayakumar attempted suicide on Wednesday after the police found his link with the gang. Police have also started to enquire in detail about the petitions filed by some persons last year in Ernakulam North police station against Vijayakumar on fraud charges. The investigation team member, Kalamassery SI C.J. Martin said that Vijayakumar has been engaged in this business for a long period. Some prominent Malayalam actors have also utilized Vijayakumar"s service for their money transaction, he added.