New Delhi: Was it a power play gone wrong during film selections? Renowned director and ex-MLA PT Kunju Muhammed faces explosive charges of molesting a woman colleague at a hotel. He got anticipatory bail just before cops swooped in, arrested and freed the same day.
What really happened behind closed doors at the IFFK prep? The industry is buzzing as details pour out.
Case timeline unfolds
Cantonment Police registered the case on December 8 after a woman from the film industry complained to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27. The alleged incident occurred on November 6 at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, where both were staying to select Malayalam films for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) Malayalam Cinema Today section. Kunju Muhammed, as committee chairman, reportedly called her to his room and misbehaved, police said during court hearings.
Court battle and bail drama
On December 20, Additional District and Sessions Judge Rekha R granted anticipatory bail to Kunju Muhammed despite opposition from the public prosecutor. The prosecutor argued, “allegations were serious in nature”, and bail could “affect the investigation.” The court ordered him to appear for questioning within seven days and cooperate, ruling that “arrest should not lead to custody” and he must be released immediately if detained. His defence called the claims “false,” noting the complaint went first to the Chief Minister, not the police directly.
Arrest and quick release
On Tuesday, December 23, Kunju Muhammed appeared at Cantonment Police Station, where his arrest was formally recorded under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 74 (outraging modesty) and 75(1) (sexual harassment)—non-bailable offences. Police followed the court order strictly, releasing him on bail right away, PTI confirmed. During interrogation, he denied all allegations, terming the complaint false.
Who is Kunju Muhammed?
A Mathematics graduate from St. Thomas College, Thrissur, he debuted with 1993’s Magrib starring Sreenivasan and directed hits like Garshom (1998), Paradeshi (2007) with Mohanlal, and Veeraputhran (2011). He co-founded Kairali TV, hosts Pravasalokam, and served as Left Independent MLA from Koduvally in 1994 and 1996. Married to Ayishabi with two children, he has not issued a public statement yet.
Backlash and probe ahead
Women in Cinema Collective slammed the government and IFFK organisers, asking, “Why has the Academy not taken action in accordance with the law?” They demanded “strict punishment.” Police hold CCTV evidence and plan Section 164 statements; the probe continues.