Actor Nivin Pauly arraigned as sixth accused in gang rape case

Image of actor Nivin Pauly from a previous event. | Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

Actor Nivin Pauly was one of six people who were charged by the Oonnukal police, located near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam rural area, for various offenses, including gang rape on Tuesday (September 3, 2024).

Mr. Pauly was identified as the sixth person involved in the case. The first five accused were Shreya, film producer A.K. Sunil, Binu, Basheer, and Kuttan. It was reported that the third to fifth accused were friends of the first accused, Shreya.

The person who experienced the harassment filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the claims of sexual misconduct made against people involved in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Hema Committee report.

Once the SIT obtained her statement, a report was sent to the State Police Chief who then instructed the Rural Police to file a First Information Report. The police refused to disclose any information about the case, only mentioning that SIT is now in charge of it.

The supposed incident occurred in Dubai from November 1 to December 15, 2023. It is said that the main suspect initially offered the victim a job as a caregiver in Europe. When that didn't happen, he enticed her with a chance to work in the film industry.

The police filed a complaint under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to assaulting or using force against a woman, gang rape, voyeurism, trespassing, wrongful confinement, repeated rape on the same woman, criminal intimidation, and acting together with a common intention.

By the way, the person who survived went to the police a while back and said that Mr. Pauly had physically attacked them. However, the police didn't take action because there wasn't any proof of the assault happening in Dubai, where they didn't have authority. The incident wasn't reported to the police in Dubai and there wasn't any medical documentation either, according to sources.

Actor Nivin Pauly has addressed the claims made against him on his social media accounts. He stated, "I recently encountered a fabricated news article accusing me of mistreating a girl. I want to make it clear that this accusation is completely false. I am committed to proving the falsehood of these claims and will do everything necessary to reveal the truth and hold those accountable. I appreciate your concern. The matter will now be dealt with through legal channels."

Afterwards, during a media briefing, the actor refuted all accusations and vowed to do whatever it takes to demonstrate his innocence.