Kerala Filmmaker and Ex-MLA PT Kunju Muhammed Arrested in Sexual Assault Case, Secures Anticipatory Bail

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala filmmaker and former Left legislator PT Kunju Muhammed was taken into police custody on Tuesday in connection with a sexual assault complaint but was released shortly afterward under the anticipatory bail granted by the Thiruvananthapuram Seventh Additional Sessions Court earlier this week.

The court’s bail order, issued on December 20, included strict conditions and specifically directed that the accused be released immediately if arrest was deemed necessary during the investigation. The decision followed detailed arguments from both the prosecution and defence.

The case was registered on December 8, following a complaint submitted to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27. The complainant alleged that Kunju Muhammed sexually assaulted her while serving as chairman of the jury for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). According to the complaint, the accused allegedly used his position and public influence to lure the complainant to a room, forcibly restrain her, and commit the assault. The police have submitted a detailed investigation report and case diary supporting these claims.

The prosecution opposed the bail plea, stressing the severity of the allegations and the social influence of the accused. They argued that his position warranted careful legal scrutiny.

The defence challenged the credibility of the complaint, citing the gap between the alleged incident on November 6 and the filing of the complaint on November 27. The prosecution countered that delays in reporting sexual assault are common, especially when survivors face health or trauma-related challenges, and asserted that the delay should not undermine the complaint’s credibility.