Kerala Police registers FIR against actor Mukesh M after actress Minu Muneer complains of alleged sexual assault

Thiruvananthapuram: An FIR has been registered against actor and CPI(M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh M, following the complaint of actress Minu Muneer. Kerala Police have informed ANNI- On August 29, “FIR has been registered against actor Mukesh, CPI(M) MLA from Kollam constituency. The FIR has been registered on the complaint of an actress.”

Police also added that another FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya on the complaint of the same actress, under Section 354 which deals with intention to outrage modesty. Special Investigation Team (SIT) recorded the actress’ statement yesterday (Wednesday).”

Muneer has accused actors Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu of both verbal and physical abuse during their collaboration on film projects.

Speaking with ANNI-Muneer described her experiences and alleged a series of misconducts. “Once, when I came out of the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully… After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in having a sexual relationship with me,” she alleged.

She further described disturbing interactions with Maniyanpilla Raju, including inappropriate suggestions regarding her hotel accommodations.

The allegations came to light shortly after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their positions at the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following separate allegations made against them.

Muneer initially shared her allegations on her Facebook page, where she described a series of incidents dating back to 2013.

“I am writing to report series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse suffered by me at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, Production Controller Noble and Vichu,” Muneer wrote.

She stated that the abuse led her to leave the Malayalam film industry and move to Chennai.

In response to these serious allegations, actor Mukesh M, who is also a Member of the Legislative Assembly, issued a press release asserting his innocence.

“In response to the allegations made against me and other colleagues in the film industry, I welcome the ongoing investigations. A fair and transparent investigation is crucial to uncover the truth behind the allegations being discussed in the public domain,” he said.

“As an actor and a member of parliament, I have a great responsibility towards society. Coming from a family with a rich theatre tradition, I am perhaps better able than most to understand the pain and concerns of people in the art world,” he added.

“My mother, who started acting at the age of fourteen, continues to act at the age of eighty-seven. I have no problem with those who want to target me politically. Similar allegations were levelled against me in 2018 as part of a political drama, which was rejected by the public. In the light of those who are now trying to judge me, I am making certain clarifications, supported by evidence, to prove my innocence,” Mukesh M added in the press release.

Mukesh alleged that Muneer had earlier sought financial help and tried to blackmail him. “This group, which was constantly blackmailing me for money, has now turned against me at this opportune time,” Mukesh stated.

He has called for a thorough and transparent investigation to clear his name. The controversy has been further intensified by the recent publication of a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report, which outlined several cases of harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.

The report highlights the dominance of a small group of men within the sector and their control over activities.

Following these revelations, the Kerala government has decided to set up a special investigation team to probe the allegations.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the formation of the team in response to the increasing public and media attention. “In light of recent interviews and statements by several women in the Malayalam film industry detailing the hardships they have endured, we have convened a meeting with senior police officials to ensure a thorough investigation,” an official release from the chief minister’s office said. (With input from ANI)