Kochi/Kollam, Nov 4 (PTI): Malayalam film actor Shweta Menon today withdrew her complaint of molestation against Congress MP N Peethambara Kurup after the 71-year-old leader tendered "personal apology".

The move came hours after he was booked by the police for "molesting" the leading actress at a function on Friday evening at the venue of President's Trophy boat race in Kollam.

"In the wake of Peetambhara Kurup's repeated public and personal apology about the incident at the President's Boat Race at Kollam, I am withdrawing all legal and other actions against him," Shwetha said in a statement released to select media organizations and to the film fraternity at around 8pm on Sunday.

Following her statement on Sunday morning, police had charged 71-year-old Kurup, who represents Kollam in the Lok Sabha, under IPC sections 354 and 354 (A) for assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.

This is the first time in Kerala that an MP or MLA has been booked under such a non-bailable charge. Sources said Kurup could be arrested anytime and his official position as a people's representative posed no legal hurdles.