SIT files chargesheet against actor-MLA Mukesh in sexual assault case

Mentioning digital evidence and witness statements, the SIT has filed chargesheet against Malayalam actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh for alleged rape

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday confirmed that it has filed a chargesheet in an alleged rape case against CPI (M) MLA and actor M Mukesh. The chargesheet filed at the Ernakulam Judicial Magistrate Court claims that there is digital evidence against Mukesh in the case.

WhatsApp chats and email messages between Mukesh and the complainant have been submitted as evidence. The SIT also stated that it has received circumstantial evidence and witness statements. In addition to harassment, a section of sexual assault has also been charged against Mukesh.

Mukesh to continue as MLA: CPI (M)

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala on Sunday said that Mukesh will continue as MLA. Responding to the media reports that the police had filed a chargesheet against Mukesh, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan said that the legislator would remain in office, and a decision on the matter would be taken once the court delivers its verdict.

"A chargesheet has been filed, and we will address the matter when the court takes a stand. There is no need for resignation, as this is the party's stance," he said.

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The case is that Mukesh sexually assaulted the complainant by promising her membership in the Malayalam film star organisation AMMA. Mukesh was booked on the complaint of actress Minu Muneer. The case was registered by Maradu police on the complaint of the Aluva native.

The First Information Report against Mukesh was filed under Section 376 (rape), which is a non-bailable offence, Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 509 (insult the modesty of a woman by word, sound, gesture or object) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In August, 2024, the lawyer of Malayalam actor-politician Mukesh said that his client is ready to cooperate with the police investigation in the case registered against him in connection with sexual harassment allegations levelled by a woman actor.

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The lawyer, Geo Paul, has also stated that the investigation team must collect as much evidence as possible, and if the allegations are found to be false, the police can file a refer report. A redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public last year. It contains shocking accounts alleging harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals.

With inputs from PTI

Published - February 02, 2025 01:39 pm IST