Complaint filed against Nivin Pauly for sexual assault; actor describes allegations as “baseless”

KOCHI: Kerala police on Tuesday arrested popular Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly, producer AK Sunil and four others under Section 376 (rape) and other relevant sections after a woman filed a complaint of sexual assault.

The allegations come at a time when the Malayalam film industry is grappling with numerous allegations of sexual harassment following the release of the Hema Committee report, which revealed widespread sexual misconduct in the industry.

A case was registered at Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam based on a complaint from a local resident who alleged that she was harassed by the actor and his colleagues in Dubai.

The complainant alleged that she was raped under the pretext of being offered a film role. She added that the incident involved several people, including Nivin, whom she described as part of a group responsible for the assault.

“The case was registered after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) forwarded the complaint to the district police chief after recording the complainant's statement, who then forwarded it to Oonnukal police station. We have subsequently registered a case of rape and assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman,” said KP Vinod, station house officer of Oonnukal police station.

There are six accused in the case, with Nivin Pauly named as the sixth accused, he added.

Meanwhile, Nivin Pauly responded to the allegations via social media and called them “completely untrue” and “baseless”.

“I have come across a hoax accusing me of molesting a girl. Please be assured that this is absolutely untrue. I am determined to do everything I can to prove that 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 dealt with legally,” the actor posted on X.