KOCHI: Unitac owner Santhosh Eapen has changed his statement in connection with gifting an iPhone to opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.

Five iPhones were given to Swapna Suresh. I'm not aware to whom she gifted those, Eapen said.

Santhosh Eapen in his statement to vigilance said that he gave iPhone to Ramesh Chennithala. Opposition leader Chennithala has filed a defamation case against Santhosh Eapen.

In his plea at the High Court, Santhosh Eapen mentioned that he bought and gave an iPhone to Ramesh Chennithala during the UAE consulate's program as per the directives of Swapna Suresh. In the defamation case filed by Ramesh Chennithala, he demanded Eapen to withdraw his statement with an apology or else pay up an amount of Rs one crore as compensation.

Chennithala also alleged that the CPI (M) is behind Santhosh Eapen's statement. Ramesh Chennithala told the media that he'll fight till finding out the recipients of the iPhone.