Thiruvananthapuram

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala announced that actor and MLA M Mukesh will not be required to resign from his legislative position despite facing a rape charge on Saturday. This decision was communicated by CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan during a press conference following a state committee meeting.

Govindan clarified that while Mukesh will remain in his role as MLA, he will be removed from the film-making policy committee due to the allegations. He questioned whether Mukesh could be reinstated if proven innocent after resigning on moral grounds, suggesting that returning to the position would require re-election, not just a moral stance.

Govindan also highlighted that many MPs and MLAs accused of offenses against women have not resigned, implying that Mukesh should not be forced to step down.

The announcement comes amid protests from Congress and BJP supporters, demanding Mukesh’s resignation. An FIR was filed against Mukesh at Maradu police station in Kochi, alleging that he sexually assaulted a woman who appeared in several films. This case is part of a broader investigation into sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, prompted by the Justice K Hema Committee report and recent allegations against various film personalities.

Patra Chawl witness Swapna Patkar receives threats, informs ED

Mumbai

Swapna Patkar, a key witness in the Patra Chawl money-laundering case, has alleged that the the accused and their associates threatened her with rape and murder. In a letter to the Additional Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the Western Region, Patkar claimed she is being pressured to alter her statements and to transfer property titles to the accused, including Sanjay Raut and his family.

Patkar also reported an incident at her residence where a glass bottle containing a threatening letter was thrown onto her property. The letter, written in Marathi, warned her against speaking out in court. This event occurred early Wednesday morning, and Patkar learned of the threat after her security staff discovered the letter.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, is a key suspect in the case. On June 28, 2022, the ED summoned him for questioning related to the Rs 1034 crore Patra Chawl scam. The Patra Chawl redevelopment project, which began in 2008, aimed to rehabilitate 672 tenants and redevelop the site. However, the developers allegedly misled MHADA and sold development rights to other parties, collecting around Rs 901.79 crore without fulfilling their redevelopment obligations.