Sexual assault of film artist; casting couch accused apprehended at Chennai airport

KOCHI: The hunt for Riyas, the primary suspect in a predatory "casting couch" assault, ended Sunday morning at the Chennai airport. The 49-year-old Kozhikode native, who had been hiding out in Abu Dhabi since the 2024 incident, was intercepted by immigration officials triggered by a Kochi police lookout circular. He is expected to be transported back to Kochi on Monday to face the allegations.

Investigators claim Riyas exploited his position as a casting agent for producer Abdul Rahman to lure a junior artiste with the promise of a career-making role. The victim was reportedly picked up from her Palarivattom residence and driven to a lodge in Kozhikode, where the assault took place. While the second accused, Abdul Rahman, managed to secure anticipatory bail from the District Sessions Court, Riyas fled the country shortly after the Elamakkara police filed the initial report. The case, now under the jurisdiction of the Palarivattom police, highlights a grim pattern of exploitation within the industry fringe.