Actor Nivin Pauly rejects “baseless” allegations of sexual assault against him

Ernakulam (Kerala) [India]September 4 (ANI): Actor Nivin Pauly has denied allegations of sexual assault made against him by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her along with others in a Dubai hotel last year.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the Malayalam actor said he would do everything to fight for justice.

“I just saw the news. I don’t know the girl and I haven’t seen her. This is a baseless accusation. The news affects us because I have a family,” Pauly said.

The actor said, “I have called this press conference at this time because I am 100 percent sure that I am not at fault. A complaint has been filed and I will deal with the case according to the law and take action against it. I will do everything to prove the truth. This will take some time.” Pauly and five others have been booked by the Kerala police for gang rape and related crimes.

The survivor’s statement was recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which investigated allegations of sexual harassment against several influential men in the Malayalam film industry, after a redacted version of the Hema Committee report was released.

The case was registered at Oonnukal police station in Ernakulam based on the survivor’s statement to the SIT.

The First Information Report was filed under sections 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman), 376D (gang rape), 354C (voyeurism), 450 (trespass), 342 (deprivation of liberty), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape of the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (acts done by several persons in pursuit of a common purpose) of the Penal Code.

Pauly was named as the sixth accused in the case, while Shreya, film producer AK Sunil, Binu, Basheer and Kuttan were identified as the first five accused. The complainant alleged that the accused had promised her a role in a film.

The crime is said to have occurred in Dubai last year.

Nivin Pauly also made an official statement on his Instagram account.

“I have come across a hoax accusing me of molesting a girl. Please be assured that this is absolutely untrue. I am determined to do everything I can to prove the baselessness of these allegations and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be dealt with legally,” Pauly explained on his Instagram account.

Several cases of sexual harassment have also been filed against filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MP Mukesh and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya and Siddique. (ANI)