Kerala police have arrested actor and CPI(M) MLA M. Mukesh in connection with sexual assault charges levelled against him. The actor was released on bail later.
The Special Investigation Team probing allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry arrested the ruling party MLA in connection with a sexual assault case registered against him in Thrissur. According to police, the complainant in the case has registered a separate complaint against the actor in Ernakulam as well.
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Mukesh’s lawyer said the MLA was arrested, his medical examination and potency test were carried out and then he was released as he had been granted anticipatory bail in the case by a sessions court on September 24, PTI reported. Mukesh has been granted anticipatory bail in both cases against him.
Mukesh charged the cases have been registered against him as he refused to succumb to the complainant’s blackmail threats.
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Several Malayalam film personalities are facing sexual harassment charges following the release of the Hema committee report by the Kerala government. The committee was set up by the state government to study the exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema and the committee headed by Justice K. Hema handed over the report to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in December 2019.
Following multiple sexual assault allegations, the Kerala government formed a SIT in August to probe the charges. Besides Mukesh, actor Jayasurya, Edavella Babu, film directors Ranjith and V.K. Prakash are a few who are facing charges.