Actor-prose-accused Mukesh | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday confirmed that it had filed a charge sheet in an alleged rape case against CPI (M) MLA and actor M Mukesh. The charge sheet filed in the Ernakulam Judicial Magistrate Court claims that there are digital evidence against Mukesh in the case.

WhatsApp chat and email message between Mukesh and the complainant are presented as proof. The SIT also said that it had found circumstantial evidence and witness statements. Apart from harassment, a part of sexual harassment has also been accused against Mukesh.

Mukesh to continue as MLA: CPI (M)

In Kerala on Sunday, the ruling CPI (M) said that Mukesh would continue as an MLA. Reacting to media reports that the police had filed a charge sheet against Mukesh, CPI (M) State Secretary MV Govindan said that the MLA will stay in the office, and after completing the court’s decision, a decision on the matter Will be taken.

He said, “A charge sheet has been filed, and we will address the matter when the court takes a stand. There is no need to resign, as it is the party’s stand,” he said.

Also read:M Mukesh denies allegations of sexual harassment

The case is that Mukesh sexually harassed the complainant by promising his membership in the Malayalam film star organization Amma. Mukesh was booked on the complaint of actress Minu Munir. The case was registered by the Maradu police on a complaint of Aluva origin.

The first information report against Mukesh was filed under Section 376 (rape), which is a non-bailable offense, Section 354 (attacked the woman with the intention of offending her humility), and 509 (a woman) By insulting the humility of a woman, the word, sound, gesture or object of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)). In August 2024, a lawyer of Malayalam actor-Rajnatasian Mukesh said that his client is set to cooperate in the police investigation in the case registered against him in connection with allegations of sexual harassment by a female actor.

Also read:HEMA Committee Report: The Supreme Court appreciates women who broke the obstacles to record statements before SIT

Advocate, Jio Paul has also said that the investigation team should collect more and more evidence as much as possible, and if the allegations are found to be wrong, the police can file a reference report. A rearred edition of the Justice HeMA committee report on the oppression faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public last year. It contains shocking accounts accusing women professionals of harassment, exploitation and sick treatment.

With input from PTI