Nivin Pauly claims rape accusations a conspiracy; files complaint with police

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Nivin Pauly has complained to the State Police Chief, claiming that the Neriamangalam woman who accused him of rape was fabricating the accusation and that there was a conspiracy behind it.

In an email complaint, the actor asked the police chief to make sure that his complaint was looked into and that statements were taken before the police handled the rape case.

The woman, a former nurse employed in Dubai, said that she was sexually assaulted by Nivin and five other people in a hotel there when she was looking for a role in a film.

Following the woman's complaint, the Oonnukal police on Tuesday booked the actor, producer AK Sunil, and four other people under Section 376 (rape) and other applicable sections. Pauly refuted the accusation and promised to pursue all legal avenues to prove his innocence, the New Indian Express reported.

Following the publication of the Hema Committee report, which revealed rampant sexual misbehaviour and the exploitation of women inside the industry, the Malayalam film industry is currently dealing with a plethora of sexual harassment complaints. This is the context in which the accusations are made.

The complainant claimed that she was sexually assaulted while pretending to be approached for a movie job. She went on to say that Nivin was among the people involved in the event.

Nivin Pauly refuted the accusation, stating he had never met or known the complainant.

"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. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handled legally," the actor had written on X.

He then convened a press conference to reiterate his innocence and vowed to take legal action against the complainant.