Kerala MLA and veteran actor Mukesh, a member of the ruling LDF, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Ernakulam on Tuesday in connection with a sexual harassment complaint. The arrest followed a three-hour interrogation led by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) G Poonkuzhali, after which Mukesh was taken for a medical examination at a government hospital. He was later released on bail.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by a fellow actress, who alleged that Mukesh had sexually harassed her in the past. The actress claimed that while seeking membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Mukesh told her she could gain entry only if she complied with his sexual demands. She also accused him of assaulting her at a private hotel in Maradu.
Based on her complaint, Maradu police filed serious charges against the actor, including rape, assault, and criminal trespassing under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges include IPC Section 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage a woman's modesty), 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult a woman), and 454 (trespassing).
Mukesh, however, has denied the allegations, claiming the actress was attempting to blackmail him. His legal team has submitted evidence, including emails and WhatsApp messages, which they argue proves an extortion attempt.
This arrest is part of a broader investigation into sexual misconduct in the Malayalam film industry, initiated after the publication of the Hema Committee report. Several actors have been named in complaints filed by survivors as the Kerala government intensifies its crackdown on sexual harassment in the industry.
