Thiruvananthapuram ,15 Dec (HS):
Veteran filmmaker, former Kerala legislator and CPM fellow traveller P.T. Kunhumuhammed has approached the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail in a sexual assault case registered on the complaint of a woman film professional. The court is scheduled to consider the bail plea on Monday.
According to a status report submitted by the police before the court, the complaint against Kunhumuhammed carries prima facie merit. Investigators informed the court that crucial evidence has already been collected as part of the probe, including CCTV footage from the hotel where the alleged incident took place. These findings have been specifically highlighted in the police report.
As per the complaint, the alleged incident occurred last week during the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), held in Thiruvananthapuram. The woman, who is associated with the film industry, alleged that Kunhumuhammed behaved in an inappropriate and sexually abusive manner inside a hotel room in the city.
The survivor has stated that she was invited to the hotel room under the pretext of a dinner meeting connected to professional discussions. She has alleged that once inside the room, Kunhumuhammed subjected her to unwanted advances and sexual misconduct. Following the incident, the woman initially sent a detailed complaint via email to senior police officials, after which a formal case was registered.
Police sources said that statements have been recorded and material evidence has been gathered to corroborate the survivor’s version of events. The investigation is being conducted with due sensitivity, they added.
Kunhumuhammed, a noted figure in Kerala’s parallel cinema movement and a former legislator, has denied the allegations. Through his counsel, he has sought anticipatory bail, citing his age, health condition, and standing in society, and has argued that custodial interrogation is not required in the case.
The case has triggered discussions within cultural and political circles in Kerala, especially as the alleged incident took place during a major international film festival hosted by the state. Women’s rights groups have called for a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing the need to ensure justice for the survivor.
The Sessions Court is expected to hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defence before taking a decision on the anticipatory bail plea.
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
