Kerala HC grants interim anticipatory bail to director Omar Lulu in rape case

The Kerala High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to the Malayalam director Omar Lulu on Thursday, May 30.
Omar Lulu is facing allegations of raping a young woman, who is also an actor, multiple times under the pretense of offering her a role in a film.
In his plea before the court, Omar Lulu contended that his sexual relationship with the complainant was consensual.
According to the Law Trend website, the bench, led by Justice A. Badharudeen, granted him anticipatory bail and scheduled a detailed hearing on the matter for June 6.
The complaint was filed by the young Malayalam actor, who alleged that Omar Lulu had repeatedly raped her after promising to cast her in a film. Following the complaint, the Nedumbassery police recorded the actor’s statement and booked the director under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the punishment for rape.
Omar Lulu has denied the allegations, describing them as an attempt to extort money from him. He claimed that the accusations were baseless and motivated by resentment stemming from a broken friendship.
The case has drawn significant media attention, given Omar Lulu's prominence in the Malayalam film industry. The director's legal team argued that the relationship was consensual and that the accusations were an act of revenge following the deterioration of their personal relationship.
The court’s decision to grant interim anticipatory bail provides temporary relief to Omar Lulu, allowing him to avoid immediate arrest while the case is further investigated. As the legal proceedings continue, the detailed hearing set for June 6 will be crucial in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate on social media and within the film industry, with opinions divided on the matter. While some support the complainant’s claims, others stand by Omar Lulu, echoing his assertion that the charges are unfounded.
On the work front, Omar Lulu's next directorial is the comedy entertainer 'Bad Boyz'.