Actresses complain: Santhosh Varkey alias 'Arattannan' gets arrested

Kochi: Kerala Police arrested Santosh Varkey, who is widely known in social media as ‘Arattannan’, over charges of outraging the modesty of women. It was the Ernakulam North Police who arrested the social media figure, known for his movie reviews right-out-of-the-theatre, and related controversies, and his problematic statements against actresses in Cinema. It was based on complaints filed by movie actresses that a case was registered against him, including non-bailable ones, and he was arrested.

According to complaints filed by actresses Usha Hassena, Bhagyalakshmi and Kukku Parameswaran, Varkey repeatedly made remarks which were deeply disrespectful and harmful to the dignity of women. Haseena complained that his comments outraged the modesty of women and that strict action must be taken against him.

As per available reports, Usha Haseena had approached Alappuzha DySP complaining that Varkey’s statements against actors must be dealt with seriousness since they targeted actresses and created harmful stereotypes against women working in the film industry.

According to the complainants, Varkey made remarks that women working in the entertainment industry bore a bad character. He had made similar remarks about actresses in the past on social media, too.

According to Mathrubhumi, Varkey was warned earlier by the Police for harassing Nithya Menon for making inappropriate demands to marry her.