Actor Idavela Babu appears before SIT in sexual assault case for re-interrogation

KOCHI: Actor Idavela Babu appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning in connection with a sexual assault case filed by a woman from Aluva. This marks the second time the actor has been interrogated in the case. Babu, a former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), had previously been arrested and later released.

The SIT is conducting this re-interrogation to gather more clarity on the allegations. In his brief statement to the media, Babu downplayed the situation, stating that he had appeared "casually." The actor faces two complaints, including one in which a junior artist alleges that Babu misbehaved with her after calling her to his flat under the pretense of offering AMMA membership. The complaint also accuses him of making inappropriate sexual remarks.

The charges against Idavela Babu fall under sections related to harassment and the humiliation of womanhood. If found guilty, he could face a jail term of up to 10 years, along with a fine.

Earlier, the Additional Sessions Court had granted conditional bail to the actor. As part of the investigation, the Ernakulam North Police registered a case based on the actress's complaint and conducted a search at Babu's flat, where documents were reportedly seized.

The case has also drawn parallels to a separate sexual harassment complaint against actor and MLA Mukesh, who was arrested by the SIT and later released on bail.