SIT to question Mukesh in sexual assault case, to oppose actor's anticipatory bail plea

Kochi: The special investigation team is preparing to interrogate actor and MLA Mukesh in the sexual assault case. The team will also oppose Mukesh’s plea for anticipatory bail. The team will file an affidavit in court on Monday to seek Mukesh’s custody. The court will review Mukesh’s bail application on the same day.

The investigation team, looking into the allegations against Mukesh and Edavela Babu, recently inspected the AMMA office, where the complainant claimed she faced harassment from him when she joined the organisation. 

During the two-hour inspection, investigators seized documents that showed Edavela Babu was in charge and Mukesh was on the executive committee at that time.

Based on confidential information from the complainant, police have searched Mukesh’s house as well. They have also indicated that further inspections will take place in the near future.

Meanwhile, as the investigation unfolds, protests have intensified calling for Mukesh’s resignation from his MLA position. However, the CPM has maintained that Mukesh need not step down. The party has stated that while Mukesh will no longer participate in film-related committees, he will continue to serve as an MLA. CPM secretary M V Govindan confirmed that Mukesh will be excluded from the film policy formulation committee and that no special benefits will be extended to him during the investigation.

Addressing the media after the CPM state secretariat meeting on Saturday, Govindan asserted that Mukesh does not need to resign as MLA despite the sexual assault allegations. He pointed out that Congress and BJP leaders named in cases of violence against women had also not resigned from their positions.