MLA Arrested In Rape Case

CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh was arrested by Kerala Police amid the MeToo movement in the Mollywood industry. A former actress accused him of rape leading to a case being filed. However he will be released as he secured anticipatory bail. 

Mukesh faces non-bailable charges, including rape and using force to outrage a woman’s modesty. There are calls for his resignation, but he claims the allegations are a result of blackmail. The MeToo wave has led many women to speak out about abuse by prominent figures in the Malayalam industry. 

The Justice Hema Committee report, released last month, mentioned several actors and directors linked to harassment. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up which arrested Mukesh after questioning. Meanwhile another actor Siddique is also accused of rape by a former actress. His request for anticipatory bail was denied and a lookout notice has been issued as police try to find him. Siddique denies the accusations calling them baseless.