Well-known names of Malayalam cinema, including CPI (M) MLA K Mukesh and Jayasurya have been booked by the police for rape and sexual assault of a woman colleague, prompting voices from the ruling coalition on Thursday for the former to step down as a legislator amid an intensifying political slugfest involving the LDF and the opposition.

Senior CPI leader Annie Raja urged Mukesh to step down as an MLA, after he was booked for rape on Wednesday night based on the complaint of a female actor. Amid Congress’ attack, the CPI (M)-led LDF threw its weight behind Mukesh. The ripple effect caused by the Justice K Hema Committee report findings saw other actors —Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, being booked.