The case, which has sent shockwaves through Kerala's film and political circles, involves allegations from a woman film professional who was part of the festival's selection committee.
The Court's Decision and Conditions
The Thiruvananthapuram Seventh Additional District and Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Rekha R, granted anticipatory bail to Kunju Muhammad on Saturday, December 20. The order came after detailed arguments where the prosecution strongly opposed the relief.
Prosecution's Stance: The public prosecutor argued that the "allegations were serious in nature" and that granting bail could "affect the investigation". Police informed the court that their preliminary investigation found prima facie truth in the complaint, which alleged that the filmmaker forcibly restrained and assaulted the complainant in a hotel room.
Defense's Argument: Kunju Muhammad's defense counsel contended that the allegations were false, highlighting that the complaint was first submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 27, rather than directly to police. They also pointed to an alleged delay in reporting the incident, which the prosecution countered was due to the complainant's health issues.
The court imposed strict conditions for the bail, directing Kunju Muhammad to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Arrest and Immediate Release
In compliance with the court's order, Kunju Muhammad appeared before the Cantonment Police Station on Tuesday, December 24. The police formally recorded his arrest in the case and, following the bail directive, released him immediately.
The court had stipulated that if arrested during the probe, he was to be released on bail, a condition the police followed.
Background of the Allegations
The case was registered by the Cantonment Police on December 8, based on a complaint that an incident of sexual assault occurred in early November.
The Context: The alleged assault took place at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram where the jury for selecting Malayalam films for the IFFK was staying. Kunju Muhammad was serving as the chairman of this selection committee, a position of considerable influence within the industry.
Investigation Details: The complainant, a fellow jury member, stated that the filmmaker summoned her to his room and behaved in an inappropriate manner. As part of their evidence gathering, police have collected and reviewed CCTV footage from the hotel. The case has been registered under Sections 74 and 75(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Who is P.T. Kunju Muhammad?
P.T. Kunju Muhammad is a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema and politics.
Film Career: A director and producer, he debuted with the 1993 film 'Magrib' and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for it. He is known for acclaimed films like 'Garshom' (1998) and 'Paradesi' (2007).
Other Roles: He is one of the founding directors of Kairali TV and has been elected twice to the Kerala Legislative Assembly as a Left-supported independent candidate (1994, 1996).
The case continues to be investigated, and the court's grant of anticipatory bail to Kunju Muhammad is a procedural step, not a judgment on the merits of the allegations. It keeps the filmmaker out of custody while the legal process unfolds, in a case that has become a focal point for discussions on power dynamics and accountability within the cultural sector.
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