Sexual assault case: PT Kunju Muhammed arrested, released on bail ; Court order followed strictly

TRIGGER WARNING: This article includes references to sexual abuse.

In connection with a sexual assault complaint Filmmaker P.T. Kunju Muhammed was arrested on the last day.

Kunju Muhammed was released on bail soon after the arrest by the police. This was done as per the conditions set by the court.



As reported by IANS, the arrest and release followed an order by the Seventh Additional Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram. The court had granted anticipatory bail to Kunju Muhammed on December 20. The order clearly said that if the police felt an arrest was needed during the investigation he must be released immediately after arrest.

What the court said

The bail order stated that arrest should not lead to custody and that bail must be granted right away.

The police acted according to this direction. After the formal arrest Kunju Muhammed was released on bail without delay.

Details of the complaint

The case was registered on December 8 and was based on a complaint given by a woman to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27. The woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Kunju Muhammed.

She said the incident happened on November 6. At that time Kunju Muhammed was the chairman of the jury that selected films for the International Film Festival of Kerala. This role is seen as very powerful and respected in the Malayalam film industry.

The prosecution said the accused used his influence and public position to commit the act.

Prosecution argument and delay

The prosecution opposed the bail plea. They said the charges are serious and the accused holds social and political power. They also pointed out the delay between the incident date and the complaint.

The prosecution explained that the delay happened because the complainant had health issues. They added that such delays are common in sexual assault cases.

WCC raises strong protest

Earlier the Women in Cinema Collective strongly criticised the Kerala government and IFFK organisers. They questioned why legal action was delayed.

“Keeping the accused away from IFFK venues is an appropriate step. But why has the Academy not taken action in accordance with the law?” the statement said.

The group demanded immediate action and strict punishment. They said, “Ensuring strict punishment is the only course before the government.”


Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.

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