Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly has been charged with rape, while he refutes the allegations as unfounded.
The woman stated that the incident took place more than a year ago in Dubai. The case involves six individuals, one of whom is a woman.
The police reported that Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly was charged on Tuesday with the crime of rape following a complaint from a 40-year-old woman, who alleged that he sexually assaulted her in Dubai more than a year ago.
The contents of the report
An officer from the Oonnukal police station, where the FIR was filed under section 376 of the IPC, reported that there are six individuals implicated in the case, one of whom is a woman. The officer indicated that the primary accused is a woman, while Nivin is identified as the sixth accused.
The officer stated that the incident, as reported by the woman, took place more than a year ago in Dubai, but he refrained from providing additional information. Nivin Pauly is one of several actors and directors currently facing accusations of sexual harassment or rape from female actors, following the release of the Justice K Hema Committee report.
Nivin addresses the accusations
Nivin addressed the accusation through an Instagram post on Tuesday evening. In his statement, he expressed, “I have encountered a misleading news report that claims I have abused a girl. I want to clarify that this is completely false. I am committed to taking all necessary measures to demonstrate that these allegations are unfounded and will ensure that those accountable are brought to justice. I appreciate your concern. The matter will be resolved through legal channels.”
He signed and dated the statement on September 3, 2023, confirming his agreement and understanding of its contents. The date provided a clear reference for when the agreement was made, ensuring mutual understanding among all parties.
Additional information
In response to the 2017 actress assault incident, the Kerala government formed a committee to tackle harassment in the Malayalam film industry. The committee reviewed policies, investigated systemic issues, and proposed solutions for enhanced safety and accountability, including reporting guidelines and gender sensitivity training to empower women and create a safer industry culture.
In response to recent sexual harassment allegations in the entertainment industry, the state government announced on August 25 the formation of a seven-member special investigation team. Comprising legal professionals, social workers, and victim advocates, the team will conduct a thorough inquiry, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The government emphasizes transparency and accountability while respecting the privacy of those who come forward, marking a significant step toward addressing harassment and exploitation in the industry.
At the beginning of this month, a redacted edition of the Justice Hema Committee report addressing harassment experienced by women in the Malayalam cinema sector was released to the public. The report reveals disturbing testimonies that allege harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of female professionals. Spanning 235 pages, the document was published after anonymizing the identities of both witnesses and accused individuals. It highlights that the Malayalam film industry is predominantly governed by approximately 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who maintain significant influence and authority over the field.
In 2017, the state government established a three-member panel, led by a former Kerala High Court judge, to address public concerns. After extensive research, the panel submitted its findings to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in December 2019, but the report was only recently made public, raising transparency questions. Its release now allows citizens and stakeholders to review the conclusions and their implications for Kerala.