The initial probe into the sexual abuse charges levelled against Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly has suggested that there were inconsistencies in the statement given by the victim to the police. Though the victim claimed that she was assaulted in a hotel room in Dubai by the actor in November and December 2023, the investigation revealed that she was in Kerala during that period.
The police are also checking the victim's travel documents to verify her claims, according to local media reports.
The probe has also revealed that the 40-year-old leading star in Malayalam has not stayed at the hotel, where the victim says the crime happened, after 2021. The police probe into the woman's initial complaint filed a month ago revealed there was no basis for her claims, following which the officials decided not to file an FIR.
According to the woman, the actor and six other friends raped her for days after drugging her in Dubai in November 2023. She alleged that Nivin Pauly met her via producer A K Sunil who offered her a role in the movie. She alleged that she was asked to appear for an interview where she was assaulted by the producer. He later introduced her to his associates and the actor.
Meanwhile, director Vineet Sreenivasan had said on Thursday that he had evidence to prove Nivin Pauly's innocence as he was on the sets of his directorial 'Varshangalkku Sesham' on the days mentioned in the woman's complaint.
Vineeth, a noted singer, actor and director, said that Nivin Pauly was on the sets of his movie on December 14 and 15 of 2023. He was seen by over 150 junior artists on that. He also confirmed that he was in Nivin's company till 3:00 am on December 15.
Vineeth Sreenivasan told Malayalam news channel Reporter that the actor then left for the sets of Disney+ Hotstar series 'Pharma', which was also in Kerala. "Most of the aforementioned sets were in public and many people could vouch for Nivin Pauly's presence," he added.
