Kerala court grants bail to M. Mukesh and actor Edavela Babu

(MENAFN – Live Mint) The Ernakulam Chief Magistrate's Court on Thursday granted interim bail to rape accused actor and CPI(M) MP M Mukesh and small-time actor Edavela Babu, who was accused of sexual assault.

“The application is allowed,” said Honey M. Varghese, district and district judge of Ernakulam court, in the order allowing the interim bail applications of Mukesh and Babu, PTI reported.

Also read: 'Abuse became unbearable': Malayalam actors Rajnith, Baburaj and others face fresh accusations of sexual harassment of artistes

The rape allegations against CPI(M) MP M. Mukesh were made by an actress who also accused actors Edavela Babu, Jayasurya and others of sexual harassment. An FIR under Section 376 (rape) of the IPC was filed against Mukesh, alleging that the allegations were due to his refusal to give in to the complainant's attempts at blackmail.

This case is part of a larger investigation following revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report, which has resulted in several FIRs against various well-known Malayalam film stars for sexual harassment. The committee was set up by the Kerala government following the 2017 assault case of an actress and its report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.

Also read: Hema Committee report: Malayali superstar Prithviraj speaks out, says 'Those in power should resign…'

Last month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee's report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry was released, bringing to light disturbing accounts of exploitation and mistreatment of women professionals.

The 235-page report, which names neither witnesses nor defendants, highlights that the industry is predominantly controlled by 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who wield considerable influence.

Also read: 'I know nothing': Rajinikanth on Hema Committee report amid #MeToo wave in Malayalam film industry

The report, prepared by a three-member panel headed by a former judge of the Kerala High Court and submitted to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government in December 2019, was only made public this month. In response, the government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look further into the issues facing women in the industry.

(With inputs from PTI)

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