Anticipatory Bail Granted to Actor and MLA Accused of Rape and Sexual Assault

A sessions court in Ernakulam granted anticipatory bail to actor and CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh and small-time actor Edavela Babu, both accused of sexual assault and rape. The allegations stem from a complaint by a female actor. This follows multiple FIRs against Malayalam film personalities for sexual harassment.

A sessions court in Ernakulam on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to actor and CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh and small-time actor Edavela Babu, who were accused of rape and sexual assault respectively.

In her order, Ernakulam District and Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese allowed the anticipatory bail pleas of both Mukesh and Babu, stating, ''Petition is allowed.''

The allegation against Mukesh was made by a female actor, who accused him alongside actors Babu and Jayasurya of sexual assault. Mukesh denied the charges, claiming they were a result of the complainant's blackmail attempts.

In the wake of the Justice K Hema Committee report, which revealed widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, multiple FIRs have been filed against high-profile directors and actors. The Kerala government has set up a special investigation team to probe these allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)