Nivin Pauly and Five Others Named in Gang Rape Case Filed by Kerala Police.

In a shocking development, the Kerala police have filed an FIR against popular Malayalam film actor Nivin Pauly, producer A.K. Sunil, and four others, including a woman, in a gang rape case. The complaint, filed by a woman, alleges that she was sexually abused multiple times in Dubai between November 1 and December 15 of last year. According to the complaint, the survivor was assaulted after her drink was allegedly spiked.

Nivin Pauly has publicly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and a “plot to defame” him. Despite his denial, the case has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry and among the actor’s fans.

Details of the FIR and Charges

The FIR was lodged at the Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam district on September 3, 2024. The charges against Nivin Pauly, producer A.K. Sunil, Shreya, Binu, Basheer, and Kuttan include serious offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as:

Section 345: Assaulting or using criminal force against a woman.
Section 376D: Gang rape.
Section 354C: Voyeurism.
Section 450: Trespass.
Section 342: Wrongful confinement.
Section 376(2)(n): Repeated commission of rape on the same woman.
Section 506: Criminal intimidation.
Section 34: Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.

These charges carry severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences if proven in court.

Investigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT)

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed to investigate cases of sexual harassment following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, recorded the survivor’s statement, leading to the registration of the FIR. The Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, has prompted heightened vigilance and a wave of investigations into alleged misconduct.

Separate Case Against Actor Alencier Ley Lopez

In a related development, another FIR has been filed against character actor Alencier Ley Lopez by the Chengamanad police in Ernakulam district. Lopez is accused of sexual misconduct under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 451 (house-trespass to commit an offense). The complaint, filed by a junior artiste, alleges that Lopez repeatedly entered her hotel room in Bangalore between June 2017 and December 2018 and misbehaved with her.

Industry Response and Legal Proceedings

The film industry in Kerala is once again under scrutiny following these serious allegations. As both cases proceed, there is a growing call for accountability and justice for the survivors. The cases against Nivin Pauly, A.K. Sunil, and Alencier Ley Lopez will now go through the legal process, where the accused will have the opportunity to present their defense.

As these developments unfold, they highlight the ongoing issues of safety and harassment within the entertainment industry. The Malayalam film industry, in particular, has been in the spotlight following several high-profile cases, prompting calls for stricter measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all its members.