Violent Clashes Erupt During Youth Congress Protest Against MLA M Mukesh Over Rape Allegations

The Youth Congress' protest demanding MLA M Mukesh's resignation over rape allegations escalated into violence as protestors clashed with the police. The police used lathicharge that injured many protestors and officers. Multiple FIRs have been filed against Malayalam film personalities following the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual harassment.

The Youth Congress' protest march to the office of Kollam legislator M Mukesh on Saturday demanding his resignation over the rape allegations against him, turned violent as protestors and police clashed.

Police resorted to lathicharge, injuring many protestors, according to visuals on TV channels. Several officers were also reportedly injured.

The violence erupted after protestors attempted to breach barricades and enter the legislator's office, shouting slogans against the CPI(M) and Mukesh. Protests have spread across the state, involving both Congress and BJP activists, following an FIR for rape registered against Mukesh at Maradu police station in Kochi. The allegation dates back several years, according to the complainant, a woman who has appeared in a handful of movies.

In the wake of the Justice Hema Committee's report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry, multiple FIRs have been lodged against high-profile film personalities. The Kerala government has since announced a seven-member special investigation team to probe the allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)