Nivin Pauly questioned by SIT in sexual assault case, conspiracy issue probed

Kochi: Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly was questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in a sexual assault case on Tuesday. The investigation team also took his statement on a counter-petition he filed with the police alleging a conspiracy against him. The police have already questioned the complainant and her husband about the case and the complainant’s passport has been collected to verify her claims.

Nivin was charged with rape on September 3, based on a complaint from a 40-year-old woman who claimed he sexually assaulted her in Dubai a year ago. The FIR was lodged at Oonnukal police station under Section 376 of the IPC. The case has six defendants, including a woman; The first is Shreya and Nivin is the sixth accused.

Following the allegations, the Premam actor filed a complaint with the state police chief and the SIT, which is probing a series of complaints about alleged sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. His petition was also forwarded to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister for Culture and Films Saji Cherian.

In his complaint, Nivin stated that he was working on a film set in Kerala on the day of the alleged crime. He has given details in his complaint and claimed that he did not travel abroad on the dates mentioned in the complaint against him. He also attached a copy of his passport as proof of his claims.