Mukesh, Edavela Babu granted anticipatory bail in sexual assault complaints

KOCHI: In a significant development, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has granted anticipatory bail to MLA M. Mukesh and Edavela Babu in connection with a sexual assault case. The court's verdict, delivered by Judge Honey M Varghese, comes after the completion of hearings on their anticipatory bail pleas.

The case was filed by an actress from Aluva, who alleged sexual assault by the two accused. Despite opposition from the prosecution, the court granted bail to Mukesh and Edavela Babu. In a related development, the court disposed of a plea filed by actor Maniyanpilla Raju, finding that the charge against him was bailable.

In her complaint, the complainant had alleged that Mukesh and others sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Maradu in 2009 after promising her chances in films and membership in AMMA. A case was registered against seven people, including Mukesh, based on the complaint filed with the special investigation team. Meanwhile, Mukesh argued that the complaint was a planned move aimed at tarnishing his political image and denying him opportunities in the film industry.