Kochi: Actor Balu Varghese has received a legal notice from a woman who has accused him of touching her without consent and engaging in inappropriate behaviour.

The notice seeks a written apology expressing regret over the alleged incident, along with a formal assurance that such conduct will not be repeated.

According to a report by The News Minute, the complainant said the incident, which allegedly took place recently at a swimming pool, had caused her considerable emotional distress.

The woman alleged that the actor touched her forcefully and maintained that the contact was not accidental. She said she confronted him immediately, but he initially dismissed the incident as a mistake.

The complainant further alleged that Balu apologised when she continued to challenge his explanation. She later informed her husband about the incident, following which he spoke to the actor the next day. During the conversation, Balu reportedly reiterated that his hand had brushed against her accidentally.

However, the woman maintained that the contact had been forceful and could not have been unintentional. She said she decided to pursue legal action after sharing her experience with female friends and learning that other women had allegedly encountered similar behaviour from the actor.

Other women allege similar experiences

According to The News Minute, another woman recounted an alleged incident involving Balu during a friend's birthday celebration in March last year. She reportedly said the incident occurred in a public setting, with other people present.

A third woman, who has worked with the actor in the film industry, also alleged that he behaved inappropriately towards her at an event attended by colleagues and friends. According to the report, she said the actor persisted despite her refusal and asked her whether she was afraid of him.

Another woman reportedly alleged that Balu touched her without consent at the same event.

The complainant who issued the legal notice said she was yet to receive a response from the actor. Balu Varghese has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations, according to the report.