ALAPPUZHA: The district sessions court here on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to Fahadh Faasil in a tax evasion case. The court asked him to be present before the investigation officer and cooperate with the probe. His lawyer told the court that he had paid Rs Rs 17 lakh immediately after the complaint. The verdict comes as a big relief for the star, who failed to turn up on Tuesday for questioning due to his busy shooting schedule for a Mani Ratnam film. The prosecution opposed his plea arguing it would affect the ongoing probe.

His Benz E Class, which is worth `95 lakh, was registered in Puducherry. After being booked, he paid `17.68 lakh at Alappuzha RTO on November 21. Alappuzha regional transport officer (RTO) Shibu K. Itty said that a report was submitted to the crime branch on his forging residential address and evading tax. He should present two solvent sureties of `50,000 each for release him on bail. He must seek permission of court to travel abroad.