Kerala actor-politician Mukesh booked for rape; Cong, BJP demand resignation

Kochi: A rape case has been registered against prominent Malayalam actor and ruling CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh following a female actor's allegation that he sexually assaulted her years ago, police said on Thursday. An FIR under IPC 376 (rape) was registered against Mukesh at Maradu police station in Kochi city on Wednesday night. This case is filed under the IPC as the alleged offence occurred before the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita came into force.

The case against Mukesh is the third FIR involving a high-profile Malayalam film personality, following allegations of sexual harassment against directors and actors in the wake of revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report. Earlier on Wednesday, actor Sidhique was booked by Thiruvananthapuram museum police for allegedly raping an actress in a hotel eight years ago. The first case, under IPC Section 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), involved director Ranjith. A female actor from West Bengal had alleged that Ranjith touched her inappropriately with sexual intent in 2009. Ranjith subsequently resigned from his position as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.

The Justice Hema Committee, established by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case, revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry. In response to these allegations, the state government announced on August 25 the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the complaints.

The Congress and BJP have intensified their calls for Mukesh's resignation, holding protests outside his residence and in various parts of the state. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticized the Left government for allegedly delaying action on the Justice Hema Committee report, accusing them of inaction that has harmed the film industry. Youth Congress activists protested outside Mukesh’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram, with police setting up barricades and making arrests. The BJP's Yuva Morcha also staged a protest in Kollam city, with one protester wearing Mukesh's photo as a mask and holding a chicken in each hand.

Both parties have been demanding Mukesh’s resignation since the rape allegations surfaced, a call that has been amplified following the recent FIR.