Thiruvananthapuram,  24 Dec

Malayalam film director and former MLA  PT Kunju Muhammad was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an alleged molestation case involving a woman from the cinema industry, police said.

Muhammad appeared before investigators at the Cantonment Police Station, where his arrest was formally recorded. He was later released on bail in line with prior court directions.

The case was registered earlier this month following a complaint alleging that the incident occurred at a hotel where the complainant and the filmmaker were staying while selecting Malayalam films for the recently held International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions Court had earlier directed Muhammad to appear before the investigating officer within seven days and cooperate with the probe. The court had also ordered that he be released on bail in the event of his arrest.

Muhammad is a noted filmmaker and producer and has previously served as a Left-supported independent MLA in Kerala.