Shweta Menon alleges molestation, Congress MP denies charge

Kollam, Nov 3 (PTI): Congress MP N Peethambara Kurup, embroiled in controversy over alleged molestation of Malayalam cine actress Shweta Menon at a function here on Friday evening, on Saturday strongly denied having committed such an act.

"It is totally untrue. I am telling this since my name has come up in a section of the media in connection with the incident," 73-year-old Kurup, representing Kollam in the Lok Sabha, told the media here on Saturday.

Shweta had complained, without naming her tormentor, that she was physically humilated at the venue of the President's Trophy boat race function here on Friday evening.

Media footage showed Kurup touching her after which the MP issued the statement.

The MP on Friday said it was extremely painful that his name had been dragged into the unfortunate incident and that he was confident of proving his innocence with the backing of strong proof.

"For the time being it needs to be seen only as a politically motivated move when elections are approaching. It is painful that any kind of malicious attack could be unleashed against me just because I am a politician," he said.

The incident sparked strong protests from the Malayalam film fraternity and women's oufits who demanded strong action in the incident.

Police are yet to register a case in connection with the incident, based either on the complaint the actress claimed to have orally made to the district collector or by taking note of media reports.

Meanwhile, chief minister Oommen Chandy told reporters at Kottayam that he had not received any complaint from the actor so far on the incident.

"If we get a complaint, after investigation appropriate action will be taken," he said.

I am not a liar: Swetha Menon

Kochi, Nov 3 (IANS): Actress Swetha Menon continued to be in a state of shock over the incidents that happened Friday at Kollam and said, "I am not a liar".

"I am in a state of shock over the incidents that happened yesterday (Friday) and I am deeply hurt in the manner in which the Kollam district collector has refuted I spoke to him about what happened," said Menon.

"I want justice because I have been picturised as a liar and I can't take this," added Menon who broke down while speaking to reporters in her home, here.

"I will write to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on what has happened," said Menon.

Chandy earlier in the day had told reporters he had not received any complaint and if  she gives one, it would be taken up.

Menon Saturday morning said let "visuals speak" after TV channels showed a lawmaker trying to cosy up to her during a boat race. The parliamentarian denied the charge.

Menon stopped short of naming the politician.

"Let the visuals speak ... I could have reacted instantly but since I am not interested in creating news, I did not," said Menon while answering a reporter's question whether the politician was Kollam Lok Sabha member and Congress leader Peethamabara Kurup.

Kurup told reporters he has been in public life for several decades. "I am not such a character and very soon I will come out with all the pictures," said Kurup, a first time Lok Sabha member.

The alleged incident took place Friday evening while Menon was one of the guests of honour at a boat race in Kollam.

TV visuals show Kurup on more than one occasion getting close to the actress.

Women activists cutting across political affiliations condemned the incident and demanded action against the lawmaker.

Former CPI-M legislator and Democratic Mahila Association state secretary K.K. Shylaja said, "The visuals speak the truth and authorities should start initiating action against him."

CPI-M central committee member P.K.Sreemathi described it as a blot on Kerala and "the need of the hour is state Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan should immediately direct police for action to be taken".

Lissy Jose, state womens' commission member, said her personal opinion is that a case should be registered against the person who did this.

However, Congress leader Bindu Krishna said Kurup is known to be a very caring person and "what I am told is that there are more pictures and once that also comes out, it would be clear what has happened".

"A detailed probe will reveal everything and at the same time we are not discounting Menon's statements," said Krishna.

Actors' body AMMA is expected to discuss this issue shortly and her future course of action would depend on the outcome of the meeting. "We will take this issue up because our members just cannot be made vulnerable to these incidents because all of us do go for public functions," said AMMA president and veteran comedian Innocent.

Leader of Opposition V.S.Achuthanandan said what happened to Menon is most shameful.

"We have the recent law that has been passed in the parliament and it states that the victim's response is only needed for action to be taken. She is reported to have told the Kollam district collector after the incident happened and so far no action has be taken. All are waiting to see what the government under Chandy is going to do," Achuthanandan told reporters at a hurriedly called press conference here Saturday.

Kollam district collector B. Mohan said he had not received any complaint.