Actor-politician Mukesh arrested by SIT in rape case

M Mukesh, an actor and a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the ruling party in Kerala, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday in connection with a rape case filed by a female actor.

His lawyer confirmed the arrest, noting that Mukesh underwent a medical examination and a potency test before being released on anticipatory bail granted by a Sessions Court earlier this month. The arrest was made following Mukesh's appearance for questioning at the Coastal Police Headquarters, where he was interrogated for three and a half hours.

Two FIRs have been filed against Mukesh: one by the Wadakkanchery police and another by the Maradu police. On September 5, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court granted Mukesh bail in relation to the rape case, which includes additional allegations of sexual assault from the female complainant. Mukesh contends that the allegations stem from his refusal to comply with blackmail attempts by the accuser.

The case against him is part of a broader investigation that has seen multiple FIRs filed against several prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry following allegations of sexual harassment, ignited by the findings of the Justice K Hema Committee report.