MeToo in Mollywood: Nivin Pauly arrested in gang rape case; Malayalam actor denies ‘completely false’ allegations

#MeToo in Mollywood: Actor Nivin Pauly was on Tuesday charged with rape after a 40-year-old woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her in a gang rape case in Dubai over a year ago. The complaint led to the registration of an FIR under Section 376 of the IPC at Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam district of Kerala.

The gang rape case involves six suspects, including a woman listed as the primary suspect, with Nivin Pauly as the sixth suspect. Police have not released further details about the incident.

Nivin Pauly denies allegations

Nivin Pauly responded to the allegation via an X (formerly Twitter) message on Tuesday night. He wrote in the statement: “I have come across a fake news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is completely untrue. I am determined to go to any lengths to prove these allegations baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to book. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be dealt with legally.”

Nivin Pauly’s case comes amid a wider wave of allegations of sexual harassment and assault in the Malayalam film industry, following the Justice K Hema Commission report.

The Justice Hema Commission report, commissioned by the Kerala government following a 2017 sexual assault case against an actress, highlighted widespread harassment and exploitation of women in the industry.

In response to these revelations, the Kerala government on August 25 announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe these allegations.

Actor Sidhique and director Ranjith move to Kerala HC

Actor Siddique and director Ranjith Balakrishnan, the first to be accused of sexual abuse following the Justice K Hema commission report, have moved the Kerala High Court seeking protection from arrest.

In his anticipatory bail plea, Ranjith Balakrishnan has argued that the charges against him stem from the prosecution’s “disappointment and resentment” over his failure to cast him in a film, which he alleges has been misused by vested interests seeking to remove him from his post as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.

The 60-year-old director, who was the first to be charged after the report was published, also claims he suffers from multiple health problems, including a recent liver transplant, and therefore requires adequate medical care and attention.

Siddique, who was arrested for offences under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation), alleges that the accusing actress has subjected him to a “sustained campaign of harassment and false accusations” since 2019.