Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday formally arrested actor and Kollam MLA Mukesh in connection with a sexual harassment case. He was released on bail shortly after completion of a medical checkup at Ernakulam General Hospital. A team led by AIG G Poonkuzhali interrogated him at the Coastal Police Headquarters in Ernakulam on Tuesday. Mukesh arrived at the centre in the morning accompanied by his lawyer.
Mukesh was previously granted anticipatory bail by the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court, with the condition that he "appear before the investigating officer at 9 am on any day and remain as long as required for completing procedural formalities related to the investigation."
Following Mukesh's arrest, the complainant expressed satisfaction with the case proceedings. The case, registered with the Maradu Police in Kochi on August 28, involves the complainant's allegations that Mukesh sexually assaulted her at a villa in Maradu and attempted to molest her inside a car at a shooting location in Ottapalam. She alleged that the actor sexually harassed her by promising movie roles and membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Charges against Mukesh include sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, trespassing with intent to commit an offence, and making gestures intended to insult a woman's modesty. If convicted, the punishment could range from up to 10 years in prison with a fine or even life imprisonment.
Another female colleague has also filed a complaint against him in Wadakkancherry. Despite calls for his removal from the opposition, the CPM continues to support the MLA.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior women police officers is conducting a preliminary inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against several Malayalam cinema actors. According to a government statement, the team will be led by IG G Sparjan Kumar, with ADGP (Crime Branch) H Venkitesh overseeing its operations. The SIT members include S Ajeetha Begum (DIG), Merin Joseph (SP, Crime Branch HQ), G Poonkuzhali (AIG, Coastal Police), Aiswarya Dongre (Assistant Director, Kerala Police Academy), V. Ajith (AIG, Law and Order), and S. Madhusoodanan (SP, Crime Branch).
