Sexual assault case: Digital evidence found against MLA Mukesh, charge sheet filed

Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kerala Police on Sunday filed a chargesheet against Left MLA Mukesh, stating that digital evidence has been found against him in a sexual assault case.

The chargesheet was filed at the Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court. 

An actress from Aluva had filed a complaint against Mukesh on August 29, 2024. Based on the complaint, a case was registered on August 30. The actress alleged that Mukesh sexually exploited her by promising film opportunities and membership in AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). The alleged incident took place in 2010.

There were initial concerns that the time lapse could pose challenges to the case, but the police reportedly managed to collect substantial digital evidence. The investigation team has reportedly obtained email messages, WhatsApp chats, circumstantial evidence of Mukesh traveling with the complainant, and witness statements confirming that they were seen together.

The case was initially registered by the Maradu police in Ernakulam. According to the complaint, the actress was sexually assaulted at a villa in Ernakulam, and a similar incident was repeated later in Thrissur. Consequently, cases were registered in both locations. Mukesh had also obtained anticipatory bail in connection with the case.

The actress later attempted to withdraw her complaint, which raised concerns for the investigation team. However, the SIT decided to proceed with the inquiry and gathered evidence. Eventually, the actress clarified that she was not withdrawing the complaint and that she had initially considered doing so due to mental distress.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also filed a chargesheet against actor Maniyanpilla Raju in a sexual harassment case. The complaint, filed by the same actress who accused MLA Mukesh, alleges that Raju harassed her at a hotel in Fort Kochi.

The SIT has expressed its stance that both actors, Mukesh and Maniyanpilla Raju, should face trial in these cases.