Usha Haseena, in her petition to the Alappuzha Deputy SP, demanded strict action, stating that the remarks were deeply hurtful to her.
Published Apr 25, 2025 | 4:53 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 25, 2025 | 4:53 PM
Santosh Varkey alias 'Aarattannan' taken into custody. (Supplied)
Popular YouTuber Santosh Varkey, known by his online moniker Aarattannan, was taken into custody by the Ernakulam North Police, on Friday, 25 April, following a complaint lodged by actress Usha Haseena.
The action comes in the wake of allegations that Varkey made derogatory and obscene remarks against actresses on social media.
It is learnt that in addition to Usha, other members of the industry— Bhagyalakshmi, and Kukku Parameshwar, also accused Varkey of making statements that insulted and demeaned women in the film industry.
Usha Haseena, in her petition to the Alappuzha Deputy SP, demanded strict action, stating that the remarks were deeply hurtful to her.
Police sources confirmed that further action would follow as part of the investigation.
According to a report by Mathrubumi, he was released after being warned by the Palarivattom police for harassing actress Nithya Menon by demanding her to marry him.
The YouTuber was also questioned by Kerala police in July 2024, following actor Bala’s complaint with the Mollywood actors’ association AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) and the Ernakulam Police, alleging that Varkey used vulgar language to insult actors and their families on social media.
According to reports, the police had then warned him that legal action would be initiated against him if he were to make such remarks again.
In August 2024, a case was also filed against Varkey, along with four other individuals, for sexually abusing a transwoman.
The Hindu reported that, the police have booked the accused under IPC Sections 377 (unnatural sex), 506 (criminal intimidation), 511 (commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) and 34 (criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all).
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
