Tamil film financier Anbu Chezhiyan seeks anticipatory bail

Anbu Chezhiyan, a renowned financier in the Tamil film industry, has moved the Madras high court for anticipatory bail. He is accused of abetting the suicide of film producer Ashok Kumar.

Ashok Kumar was found hanging at his residence a week ago, leaving behind a two-page 'suicide' note. According to the note, Anbu Chezhiyan was threatening him with the abduction of women and elders in his family for failing to repay some money he had borrowed from him.

Based on the note and a complaint filed by actor, producer and director M Sasikumar, who is also related to the victim, the police registered a case against Anbu Chezhiyan for abetment of suicide (under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code).

Soon thereafter the financier went into hiding with the police forming special teams to nab him. Now, the financier's manager has filed an anticipatory bail plea on his behalf.

In an affidavit submitted along with the petition, Anbu Chezhiyan said, “The de facto complainant Sasikumar has admittedly taken a loan from me and it is the practice in the cinema industry that the loan has to be repaid before the release of the film for which the finance has been obtained... only to evade payment of legitimate dues I am sought to be made an accused for the death of Ashok Kumar. I am not guilty of any offence as alleged in the FIR. I have got no connection with the deceased Ashok Kumar... the liability to me is only by Sasikumar. The suicide note itself is suspicious and does not appear to be natural."

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports from the film industry suggest that the police have taken the manager into custody.

Yesterday, the police had taken Sadik, a close friend of the financier who is believed to have the backing of several powerful politicians, for questioning.

Sources in the industry said several shocking details were revealed during the questioning. The police, however, are yet to track down Anbu Chezhiyan.