LDF backs Mukesh, says Congress members accused of rape have not resigned

Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling LDF in Kerala on Thursday backed CPI(M) MP M Mukesh, who has been arrested in a rape case. The party said the two Congress members accused of sexual assault should first resign before seeking the resignation of the Malayalam actor.

At the same time, LDF president EP Jayarajan said neither the CPI(M) nor the Left government will protect the criminals in the cases registered on the basis of allegations against several actors and directors.

Jayarajan was responding to reporters’ questions on whether Mukesh will step down or not.

He said much larger sexual abuse cases had previously been brought against two other MPs who had not resigned.

He was referring to Congressmen M Vincent and Eldhose Kunnappilly.

“If they had resigned, then the third MLA (Mukesh) should also have resigned. The law applies to all legislators. By asking for Mukesh’s resignation, you are protecting the other two,” he said.

When told that some CPI leaders, including Annie Raja, had demanded Mukesh’s resignation, Jayarajan said “anyone can demand anything”.

He further said that the Left government in the state has taken effective and strong measures, following the Hema Justice Commission report, to ensure the safety of women and protection of the film industry.

He said the government was morally sound as a case had been registered against Mukesh under the non-bailable provisions.

“The government will not protect or show any leniency to any offender. Strict action will be taken against them, whoever they are. The government always takes the right stand. You just wait and watch,” Jayarajan said.

On Wednesday, some LDF ministers said the government will wait for the outcome of the investigation before taking any action regarding Mukesh.

State Ministers KN Balagopal and AK Saseendran said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation by the special police team.

A police officer said on Wednesday evening that an FIR (Fire Report) has been registered against the actor under Section 376 of the Penal Code (IPC) against him, under Section 376 (rape), police said.

The case was registered under the Penal Code as the offence allegedly occurred before the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita came into effect, he said.

This is the third FIR against a well-known Malayalam film personality, following allegations of sexual harassment against several directors and actors, following revelations in the Justice K Hema commission report.

On Wednesday, the Thiruvananthapuram museum police arrested actor Sidhique for allegedly raping an actress in a hotel eight years ago.

The first case, under Section 354 of the Penal Code (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her), was against director Ranjith. The case involved a complaint by a female actor from West Bengal about an incident that took place in 2009.

Following the actor’s allegations, Ranjith resigned as chairman of the state-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy.

Sidhique had also resigned as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following the allegations against him.

The Justice Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government after the 2017 sexual assault case of an actress. The report exposed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

Following allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation against several actors and directors, the state government on August 25 announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the allegations.