Kerala Police have registered a case against a Navi Mumbai resident for allegedly sexually harassing a foreign woman who visited Kochi to attend the Kochi-Muziris Biennale art event.
The case was filed after a Taiwanese national submitted a complaint via email upon returning from India. Based on her complaint, Fort Kochi Police registered an FIR on February 7 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sexual harassment and stalking.
According to the FIR, the complainant met the accused near Pepper House in Fort Kochi on January 18, one of the venues associated with the Biennale. The two reportedly struck up a conversation, during which the accused invited her for drinks, an offer she declined.
The following day, the accused allegedly approached her again near the Fort Kochi backwaters and accompanied her on a boat trip. During the trip, he is accused of making unwanted physical contact with sexual intent.
The complaint further states that after the boat ride, the accused allegedly pressured her to travel with him in an autorickshaw, where the inappropriate behaviour continued. When she resisted and attempted to distance herself, he allegedly followed her and continued to harass her.
Police said the victim has shared the accused&rsquo;s contact details, which are being used to trace him. Authorities are also trying to get in touch with the complainant to record her detailed statement as part of the ongoing investigation.

Case filed after Taiwanese artist emails police following Fort Kochi incident

Foreign Woman Alleges Harassment at Kochi Biennale

Case filed after Taiwanese artist emails police following Fort Kochi incident

February 9, 2026 | 10:55 IST