SIT files chargesheet against actor-politician M Mukesh in sexual assualt case

A chargesheet has been filed against actor-politician M Mukesh in connection with a case of sexual assault and harassment. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) confirmed on Sunday that the chargesheet was submitted to the Ernakulam Judicial Magistrate Court, including digital evidence such as WhatsApp conversations and email exchanges between Mukesh and the complainant.

The case pertains to allegations that the CPI (M) MLA sexually assaulted the complainant under the pretext of offering her membership in the Malayalam film industry’s actors’ association, AMMA. Witness statements and circumstantial evidence have also been recorded as part of the investigation.

The charges against Mukesh include Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape, a non-bailable offence, along with Sections 354 and 509, which pertain to assault with intent to outrage a woman's modesty and insulting a woman's modesty through words, gestures, or actions. The complaint was filed by a female actor with the Maradu police, and the case was registered based on her statement.

Mukesh’s legal representative had previously stated that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation and maintained that the police should gather all available evidence. The lawyer further suggested that if the allegations were found to be baseless, the authorities could file a refer report to close the case.

This development follows the recent publication of a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlighted the prevalence of harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Compiled by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge, the report was submitted to the state government in 2019 but was only made public last year. It detailed how a small group of influential male producers, directors, and actors exert control over the industry, creating an environment where misconduct often goes unchecked.

In the wake of the report’s release, several allegations of sexual harassment have emerged against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, raising concerns about systemic issues within the sector.