Prominent Malayalam filmmaker P.T. Kunju Muhammed was formally arrested and subsequently released on bail in connection with a sexual assault complaint. The arrest, which took place recently, was executed in strict compliance with a prior court order that mandated his immediate release if taken into custody.
Court's Bail Order and Police Action
The legal framework for this unusual arrest-and-release was set by the Seventh Additional Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram. The court had granted anticipatory bail to Kunju Muhammed on December 20. Its order explicitly stated that if the investigating police felt an arrest was necessary, it should not lead to custody, and bail must be granted right away.
The police acted precisely according to this judicial direction. After the formal arrest procedure was completed, Kunju Muhammed was released on bail without any delay, adhering to the conditions set by the court.
Details of the Allegations and Complaint
The case was officially registered on December 8, stemming from a complaint submitted by a woman to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27. The complainant alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Kunju Muhammed.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred on November 6. At that time, Kunju Muhammed held the influential position of chairman of the jury selecting films for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), a role considered powerful within the Malayalam film industry.
The prosecution argued that the accused misused his influence and public position to commit the alleged act. They strongly opposed the bail plea, citing the seriousness of the charges and the social and political standing of the accused. The prosecution also addressed the delay between the incident date and the formal complaint, explaining it was due to the complainant's health issues and noted such delays are common in sexual assault cases.
Backlash from Women in Cinema Collective
Prior to these developments, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) had voiced strong criticism against the Kerala government and IFFK organizers. They questioned the delay in initiating legal action against the filmmaker.
In a statement, the collective said, "Keeping the accused away from IFFK venues is an appropriate step. But why has the Academy not taken action in accordance with the law?" The WCC demanded immediate and strict legal action, asserting that ensuring strict punishment is the only course before the government.
Disclaimer: This report is based on legal proceedings and allegations from involved parties. The case is ongoing, and the claims are yet to be proven in a court of law.
