Director Balachandrakumar, Key Witness In 2017 Actor Assault Case, Dies (image:facebook.com/fefkadirectorsonline)

Chengannur, Kerala: Director P. Balachandrakumar, a key witness in the 2017 actor assault case and abduction case in Kerala, died on Friday morning. He was 62.

He died at a private hospital in Alappuzha’s Chengannur. His body will be brought to Thiruvananthapuram later.

He had been undergoing treatment for kidney and heart-related ailments. Last month, Balachandrakumar’s wife, Sheeba, sought financial help to cover his medical expenses.

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In 2021, Balachandrakumar made shocking and serious allegations against actor Dileep, who is accused of masterminding the crime and for the possession of the visuals of the alleged assault of the actor and had attempted to influence witnesses in the case. He has also stated that he has seen Pulsar Suni, the main accused at Dileep’s residence.

Balachandrakumar supported his stance by a series of audio clips, and his crucial statement lead to a new investigation and additional charges against Dileep and few people close to him. The final arguments in the case is currently underway in Court.

Though he was facing several health issues, Balachandrakumar attended the trial for 40 consecutive days. His wife noted that his involvement in the case worsened his health issues, The News Minute reports.

The 2017 case involves an actress who has allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi on the orders of Dileep.

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Balachandrakumar directed the 2013 film Cowboy, with actor Asif Ali in the lead role. He was planning an another project named Pick Pocket with Dileep. It was during discussion of the movie at Dileep’s residence in Aluva, Balachandrakumar claimed that he came to know actor’s possession of the assault visuals.