Malayalam film director P. Balachandrakumar, the key witness in the 2017 actor assault and kidnapping case in Kerala, died at 5:40 am on Friday at a private hospital in Chengannur, Kerala. He was undergoing treatment for long-standing kidney disease.

Balachandrakumar’s friend and actor Prakash Bare announced the director’s death on Facebook, writing, “After a long battle with illness and injustice, Balu is gone… goodbye, dear friend.”

Last month, Balachandrakumar’s wife Sheeba had sought financial assistance to cover his rising medical expenses due to his health issues.

The director was a former friend of actor Dileep, who was the main accused in the 2017 actor kidnapping and assault case. In 2021, Balachandrakumar made a critical statement against Dileep, alleging that the actor had access to visuals of the attack and had attempted to influence witnesses in the case. He also claimed that the main accused Pulsar Suni was seen at Dileep’s residence.

The 2017 case involved an actress who was allegedly kidnapped and attacked on Dileep’s orders. The incident was reportedly recorded to be used as blackmail material.

In response, Dilip accused Balachandrakumar of being influenced by Baiju Paulose, the investigating officer of the case.

Balachandrakumar, who directed the 2013 film Cowboy, was remembered for his contribution to Malayalam cinema and his involvement in uncovering the details of the high-profile case.