Acclaimed filmmaker and former Left legislator P.T. Kunju Muhammed was arrested and later released on bail following a sexual assault complaint, as per the conditions of his anticipatory bail. The arrest and release occurred after the Thiruvananthapuram Seventh Additional Sessions Court’s order on December 20, which granted him anticipatory bail with strict terms.
The court specified that if deemed necessary during the investigation, the accused should be immediately released on bail after arrest. The case stemmed from a complaint lodged by a woman to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27, alleging that Kunju Muhammed sexually assaulted her while serving as the chairman of the jury for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Police investigations revealed that the accused allegedly restrained and sexually assaulted the complainant in a room. The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and the accused’s social status, advocating for a stringent approach. In response, the defence questioned the complaint’s credibility, citing a delay in reporting the incident, which the prosecution attributed to the complainant’s health issues.
