- By Ridhi Suri
- Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:19 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant development for Malayalam actors Mukesh and Edavela Babu, both of whom are facing sexual assault allegations from a former actress, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court in Kochi granted them anticipatory bail on Thursday night. Mukesh, who is also a two-time CPI-M legislator, had previously received interim relief from arrest, and the court has now officially granted him anticipatory bail.
Edavela Babu, the former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes, also secured bail. This legal relief comes amid growing turmoil in the Malayalam film industry following the August 19 release of the Justice K. Hema Committee's report, which exposed severe issues regarding the treatment of women in the industry and led to a surge of complaints against prominent film figures.
According to IANS, the Kerala Police have filed FIRs against 11 individuals, ten of whom are linked to the film industry, following complaints from actresses. Among those facing FIRs are actors Mukesh, Nivin Pauly, Siddique, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, and Maniyanpilla Raju, as well as directors Ranjith and V.K. Prakash, and production executives Vichu and Noble. Additionally, actor Baburaj and director Tulasidas have also been named in complaints, although no FIRs have been filed against them as of now.
Meanwhile, a special investigation team consisting of seven police officers, including four female IPS officers, is currently interviewing the victims who have come forward with complaints but has not yet questioned the accused. In a related development on Thursday, Kerala High Court's Acting Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque ordered the creation of a two-member bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and C.S. Sudha, to review all cases filed based on the Hema Committee report.
Minu Muneer Files case against Mukesh
An FIR has been lodged against Malayalam actor and CPI (M) MLA Mukesh M following a complaint by actress Minu Muneer. Additionally, an FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya under Section 354, which pertains to actions intended to outrage modesty, also stemming from Muneer’s complaint.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) recorded Muneer's statement on Wednesday. Muneer has accused Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Edavela Babu of both verbal and physical abuse during their work on various film projects. In an interview with ANI, Muneer detailed her experiences of misconduct, including an incident where Jayasurya allegedly hugged and kissed her forcefully from behind as she exited a restroom, and subsequent advances from Edavela Babu, who reportedly expressed interest in a sexual relationship.