Filmmaker Kunju Muhammed arrested in molestation case, released on bail
What's the story
Prominent Malayalam filmmaker and former MLA PT Kunju Muhammed was arrested on Wednesday in a film industry molestation case. The arrest was made after he appeared before the investigating officers at Cantonment Police Station on Tuesday. He had sought anticipatory bail from a Kochi court just days before his arrest, Hindustan Times reported.
Legal proceedings
Muhammed's anticipatory bail plea opposed by public prosecutor
On December 20, Muhammed had filed a plea for anticipatory bail in a Kochi court. The public prosecutor opposed his plea, arguing that the "allegations were serious in nature" and granting bail could "affect the investigation." However, Additional District and Sessions Judge Rekha R granted him relief after hearing both arguments. He was directed to cooperate with the investigation within seven days of the court order.
Case details
Allegations against Muhammed and his defense
The Cantonment Police had registered a case against Muhammed in early December after a woman accused him of molestation. She alleged that the incident occurred at a hotel where they were staying to select films for the recently held International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). However, Muhammed's defense has claimed that these allegations are false, arguing that the "complaint was initially submitted to the Chief Minister (Pinarayi Vijayan) rather than the police."
Legal charges
Charges filed against Muhammed under BNSS
The police have charged Muhammed with illegal detention, outraging the modesty of a woman, intimidation, and trespass under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Investigators recorded the woman's statement in-camera before a judicial magistrate under the appropriate legal procedure last week. The woman has also submitted her mobile phone used to communicate with Muhammed for forensic examination.
Ongoing investigation
Police to interview Kerala Chalachitra Academy office-bearers
The police have reportedly interviewed hotel employees and gathered relevant CCTV footage for the case. They plan to interview Kerala Chalachitra Academy office-bearers and other filmmakers to understand the context of the crime. Muhammed has denied the allegations, suggesting that the accusation stemmed from a possible misunderstanding. Meanwhile, he has directed critically acclaimed films such as Garshom (1998), Paradeshi (2007), and Veeraputhran (2011).