High Court grants anticipatory bail to actor Baburaj in sexual abuse case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to actor Baburaj in connection with a rape case filed by a junior artist. The court directed the actor to cooperate with the investigation and surrender before the investigating officer within ten days.

The complaint, filed by a former employee of Baburaj's resort in Munnar, alleges that the actor sexually assaulted her after promising a role in a film. According to the woman, the assault took place at Baburaj's residence in Aluva and later at his resort.

In her complaint, the woman recounted her association with Baburaj, which began when she worked as a receptionist at his Munnar resort. She alleged that during his birthday celebration at the resort, Baburaj noticed her interest in acting and offered her a minor role in the movie 'Koodasha'.

The woman claimed that in 2019, Baburaj invited her to his house in Aluva under the pretext of discussing a new film, stating that the director, producer and other actors would be present. However, upon arrival, she found only Baburaj and a servant at the house. She alleged that Baburaj sexually assaulted her that night and allowed her to leave the next day.

The woman further stated that Baburaj later called and offered her a position as an assistant director in the film 'Black Coffee', which she declined.

The complaint was initially sent to the State Police Chief via email and subsequently forwarded to the Adimali police. After verifying the allegations through a phone conversation with the complainant, the police registered a case against Baburaj.