Popular Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly has been accused of sexually assaulting an actress. According to reports, a complaint has been launched against him for allegedly sexually abusing a woman while offering her a position in a movie. However, Pauly has trashed the report and termed it “untrue”.
As per the Malayalam regional channel Reporter Live, the actress has filed a complaint against six members, who sexually abused her while promising her an acting opportunity. This incident took place in November 2023 in Dubai.
Sexual harassment cases within the Malayalam film industry have shocked the entire nation after the Hema Commission report was released on August 19.
The case has been registered by Oonnukal police. They will transfer it to the government’s SIT, which has been constituted to investigate these fresh charges. Mukesh, among those listed as ‘exploiters’ by victims, received interim relief from arrest till Wednesday.
FIRs have been registered against nine film personalities including Mukesh, Siddique, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, Maniyan Pillai Raju, directors Ranjith, V. K. Prakash, production executives Vichu and Noble after women actresses registered complaints. Following this, the entire 17-member executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) resigned from their posts.
Earlier this month, Director Ranjith, former General Secretary, and Joint Secretary of AMMA, Siddique, Baburaj, and many more faced a probe in sexual harassment cases.
Also, director Ranjith was pushed to step down as chairman of the Chalachitra Academy. There has also been clamour for Mukesh’s resignation as Kollam MLA.
Nivin Pauly threatens legal action
Pauly has taken to Instagram to issue his statement against the report. He said: “I have come across a false news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is entirely untrue.
“I’m determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations are baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light.
“Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handed legally.”
The post has received support from Instagram users.
One said: “Stand with nivin pauly >>>>”
Another stated: “People Blindly Believe Girls Statement Without Any Investigation…”
A third shared their experience of working with Pauly. “Sir I worked with you and I saw your ethics to deal with women you are so generous and very nice hearted person so don’t feel offended for the statements we all love you take care yourself definitely you will win.”
(The article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Free Press Journal and Connected to India)
