Police File Chargesheet Against Filmmaker PT Kunju Muhammed in Sexual Assault Case
In a significant development, the Cantonment police in Thiruvananthapuram have filed a formal chargesheet against noted filmmaker and former Communist Party of India (Marxist) legislator P T Kunju Muhammed. This action is in connection with a sexual assault case registered against him, marking a critical step in the legal proceedings.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
The complainant in this case is a documentary filmmaker who has accused Kunju Muhammed of sexually assaulting and outraging her modesty. According to the official complaint, the alleged incident took place at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on November 6 of last year. The survivor was in the city to attend a documentary screening organized as part of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), where the assault is said to have occurred.
The survivor has consistently reiterated her allegations, providing a confidential statement to the authorities that details the events of that day. As part of the thorough investigation, police recorded statements from six film professionals. These individuals confirmed that the complainant informed them about the alleged assault shortly after it happened, adding credibility to her account.
Corroborative Evidence and Legal Charges
Investigators bolstered their case by collecting CCTV footage from the vicinity of the hotel room where Kunju Muhammed was staying at the time. The visuals reportedly show the complainant walking hurriedly in the corridor near the room, which police have cited as corroborative evidence supporting her version of events.
Based on this compiled evidence, the Cantonment police included specific charges related to sexual assault and outraging the modesty of a woman in their final report submitted to the court. The offences invoked under Indian law carry potential punishments ranging from one to five years of imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Arrest, Bail, and Public Criticism
Kunju Muhammed appeared before the Cantonment police station on December 24, following which he was formally arrested. However, he was released on bail the same day, in compliance with a court direction that mandated bail be granted in the event of his arrest. Prior to this, he had approached the court with an anticipatory bail plea and secured favorable orders, which delayed the arrest process.
This delay in effecting his arrest drew sharp criticism from various quarters, most notably the Women in Cinema Collective. The group publicly questioned the police handling of the case, flagging concerns over unequal treatment in legal matters involving influential personalities. Their statements have brought additional scrutiny to how such sensitive cases are managed, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.
The filing of the chargesheet now sets the stage for further judicial proceedings, as the court reviews the evidence and determines the next steps in this high-profile case that has captured public attention in Kerala and beyond.
