Malayalam Actor and MLA M Mukesh Ready to Cooperate with Police in Sexual Harassment Case
Ernakulam (Kerala) [India], August 31: The lawyer of Malayalam actor and CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh has stated that his client is prepared to cooperate with the police investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by actress Minu Muneer.
Lawyer’s Statement
Geo Paul, Mukesh’s lawyer, mentioned that the investigation team should gather as much evidence as possible. He added that if the allegations are found to be false, the police can file a refer report. Paul said, “He produced some evidence which I need to produce in court on Monday. He even expressed his willingness to cooperate in the investigation, he is ready to give a statement that is required by the police.”
Questioning the Delay
The lawyer also questioned the delay in the complaint, noting that the allegations were made 15 years after the incident. He said, “You should also realise that these allegations are coming after 15 years. Where was she? She ought to have made the complaint then and there.”
Legal Charges
The First Information Report against Mukesh includes charges under Section 376 (rape), 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. The District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam, has directed the investigation officer not to arrest Mukesh until September 3, noting that there was no chance of him fleeing.
Justice Hema Committee Report
Earlier this month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public. The report contains shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals. It notes that the industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors. The report was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019 and made public only this month.
Doubts Revealed
Malayalam -: Malayalam is a language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala. It is also the name of the film industry in Kerala.
MLA -: MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly. It is a person elected by the people to represent them in the state government.
CPI(M) -: CPI(M) stands for Communist Party of India (Marxist). It is a political party in India.
Sexual Harassment -: Sexual harassment means unwanted or inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature. It can make someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Indian Penal Code -: The Indian Penal Code is a set of laws in India that defines various crimes and their punishments.
Justice Hema Committee -: The Justice Hema Committee was formed to investigate issues of harassment in the Malayalam film industry. It was led by Justice Hema, a retired judge.
