Cochin airport incident had led to arrest of Indian American.
By Dileep Thekkethil
According to reports coming in from Malayalam media outlets, after closely examining the CCTV footage provided by Cochin International Airport authorities, police have now confirmed that popular Malayalam television reality show host Ranjini Haridas had jumped the immigration line, as claimed by Indian American Binoy Cherian.
The May 16th incident at Kerala’s busiest airport triggered an altercation between the two, with each accusing the other of using abusive language. Cherian was arrested following a complaint lodged by Haridas that he had used abusive language against her.
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According to various reports, both Haridas and Cherian were waiting for immigration clearance at the airport on the same line. The tiff started when Cherian questioned Haridas’ alleged action.
Later, a case was registered against Haridas, too, on a complaint lodged by Cherian’s wife, Kochurani.
A senior police officer said the charge sheets will be presented before a court at the earliest.
The police handling of the incident had raised eyebrows, especially in the United States, where Cherian lives and works. Several Malayalee American leaders condemned police for siding with Haridas and arresting Cherian, while no action was taken against the television start.
A New York Malayalee organization wrote a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan seeking an investigation into the incident.
Cherian garnered widespread public support on the social media following his arrest. Many circulated on YouTube and Facebook a viral video of Haridas that shows her engaged in an altercation with the public.