Mohammed Nisham, the Kerala businessman accused of ramming a security guard with his Hummer
A prime witness in the case against a Kerala billionaire accused of ramming a security guard with his Hummer nine months ago has said that he changed his statement in court because of pressure from the businessman's family.
Mohammed Nisham, a beedi tycoon, is on trial for the murder of security guard K Chandrabose in January after an argument at a posh township in Thrissur where he owns an apartment. Another guard Anoop had told the police then that was a witness to the fight.
On Monday at a court in Thrissur, Anoop turned hostile and said he had not witnessed the alleged fight. He also claimed that it was Chandrabose who attacked the businessman, who had to then act in self-defense.
But in the court today, Anoop testified against the businessman. According to Public Prosecutor Udayabhanu, he said he was pressured by the businessman's brother to change his statement.
In January, Mr Nisham allegedly drove his Hummer into the guard, who was reportedly late by a few seconds to let him through the entrance to his gated neighbourhood. Mr Nisham then allegedly got out of the car and used an iron rod to hit the man, who died later in hospital.
Mr Nisham's lawyers have said the murder was not premeditated and was an accident.
Two years ago, Mr Nisham's nine-year-old son was filmed while driving their Ferrari in their neighbourhood, resulting in a police case after the video was uploaded on YouTube by Mr Nisham and his wife.