Actor Nivin Pauly (file)
| Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin
The special investigation team (SIT) probing the sexual harassment allegations against figures in the Malayalam film industry questioned actor Nivin Pauly in Kochi, Kerala, on Tuesday (October 1, 2024).
He was asked to appear before the team as part of the investigation into the complaint lodged by a 40-year-old native of Kothamangalam alleging that the actor sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Dubai in November 2023.
Statement in counter petition
The SIT also took the statement of the actor in a counter petition filed by him before the State Police Chief alleging that the complaint was fake. He had stated that he was at a film location in Kochi during the date of the alleged incident mentioned by the woman.
The actor was among six persons booked by the Oonnukal police, near Kothamangalam, in Ernakulam Rural for a variety of charges, including gang rape on September 3, 2024.
Mr. Pauly was named the sixth accused in the case. Shreya, film producer A.K. Sunil, Binu, Basheer and Kuttan were identified as the first five accused respectively. The third to the fifth accused were reportedly the acquaintances of the first accused Shreya.
The first information report was registered under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 354 (assaulting or using criminal force against a woman), 376D (gang rape), 354C (voyeurism), 450 (trespass), 342 (wrongful confinement), 376 (2)(n) (commits rape repeatedly on the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
Published – October 01, 2024 11:25 am IST