Actor Mukesh arrested on sexual assault charges, released on anticipatory bail

Mollywood actor-legislator M Mukesh was arrested on Tuesday, September 24, on charges of rape, but was soon released on an anticipatory bail he had secured earlier this month from an Ernakulam court.

A former actress from the Malayalam film industry accused Mukesh, a two-time MLA representing the Kollam constituency, of allegedly raping her in 2010 at his Kochi flat, in exchange for membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The same woman also filed a complaint against another actor and AMMA member, Edavela Babu.

Mukesh was taken into custody in Kochi following three hours of questioning by a special investigation team. Shortly after his arrest, he was released, but he declined to speak to the media gathered outside the police station.

Earlier in the month, Mukesh was granted anticipatory bail by the Ernakulam Sessions Court, which highlighted discrepancies in the statements made by the complainant. In her initial report, she did not mention any instance of forcible sexual intercourse, only raising claims of force after the first bail hearing.

The court further noted that the complainant had accompanied Mukesh with the hope of gaining membership in the AMMA. Her main argument was that she had agreed to the relationship under the promise of securing that membership.

Despite the court's observations, there has been increasing public outcry demanding Mukesh’s resignation from his position. Nevertheless, the party he represents has continued to support the actor-politician, standing by him through the controversy.

At the same time, the Kerala High Court denied anticipatory bail to actor Siddique, former AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes) general secretary, on a similar issue on Tuesday.