Malayalam film star Nivin Pauly has vehemently denied allegations of sexual assault after a case was registered against him in Kerala’s Ernakulam district based on a woman’s complaint. The complaint, filed by an unnamed woman, claims that Pauly, along with five others, cheated her with promises of a film role and later sexually assaulted her outside India. Pauly, who has been named as the sixth accused in the case, addressed the media on Tuesday evening, categorically denying the allegations and declaring his intent to fight the case.
Speaking at a hastily organized press conference, Pauly stated, “I don’t know who she is, I have never seen her or spoken to her. This is baseless news, and I will go to any extent to prove the charges wrong.” He expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation and asserted that the truth would eventually come out.
Pauly also hinted at the possibility of a conspiracy behind the allegations, saying, “There might be others involved in leveling such allegations against me. My family is behind me, and I will fight this case not just for me, but for all those who are in trouble due to such fake allegations.” The actor mentioned that he had only met one of the other accused, a producer, in Dubai, and had no knowledge of the others.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Pauly reiterated his innocence, writing, “I have come across a false news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is entirely untrue. I’m determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations are baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light.”
According to sources, the woman decided to file the complaint after learning about the Hema Committee report, which was released last month and exposed widespread sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The report has led to a series of complaints being lodged against prominent industry figures.
The Oonukal police in Ernakulam district have registered the case against Pauly, which will be handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Kerala government to probe cases of sexual exploitation in the Malayalam film industry. The SIT has already registered FIRs against 11 individuals, including nine from the film industry, based on complaints from actresses. Among those named are actor-turned-CPI-M legislator Mukesh Madhavan, Siddique, Jayasurya, directors Ranjith and V.K. Prakash, and production executives Vichu and Noble.
Nivin Pauly, a two-time Kerala Film Awards winner, began his career as a software engineer before transitioning to the film industry in 2010. He has appeared in over 50 films, many of which were box office successes. In 2016, Pauly turned producer with the film “Action Hero Biju,” which was a commercial hit under his banner, Pauly Jr. Pictures.
The case against Pauly is the latest in a series of controversies that have rocked the Malayalam film industry since the release of the Hema Committee report, which has shed light on the rampant sexual exploitation of women in the industry.
Sources By Agencies
