Sexual assault. Representational Image. (iStock)
An actress from Aluva, who had earlier accused multiple individuals, including actor and MLA Mukesh, of sexual misconduct, has announced her decision to withdraw the complaints.
The actress in August, following the Hema Committee report accused prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, including actors Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and Mukesh, advocate Chandrasekharan and production controller Noble, of sexual harassment.
She expressed her frustration over the government and media’s lack of support and revealed plans to formally inform the special investigation team, led by Poonguzhali IPS, via email.
POCSO case against the actress
The actress also alleged that a POCSO case filed against her by a relative was fabricated as retaliation for her complaints. According to the police, the POCSO case was based on allegations that she took a minor relative to Chennai under the guise of an audition and attempted to exploit her. This case, registered by the Muvattupuzha police, has further complicated the legal battle.
Expressing her disappointment, the actress claimed that the government had not taken adequate steps to investigate the authenticity of the POCSO case. She described her legal struggle as exhausting and stated that she had lost faith in the system.
While the actress is yet to officially communicate her withdrawal to the investigation team, her announcement highlights the challenges individuals face while navigating complex legal battles without institutional support.
Also Read: After MLA Mukesh, SIT arrests Malayalam actor Edavela Babu in sexual assault case
The allegations and the case
The actress in August alleged that she was physically and verbally abused by Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and Vichu.
She further claimed, “In 2013, I was subjected to physical and verbal abuse by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable. As a result, I was forced to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai. I had spoken out against the abuse in a newspaper article.”
Following this, the film personalities were booked under related sections by the Kerala police.
An FIR was registered against Mukesh under non-bailable offences including rape (IPC 376) at the Maradu police station, in Ernakulam. Jayasurya also was booked by Thiruvananthapuram Cantonment Police on charges of sexual misconduct. Two other cases were registered against actor Maniyanpilla Raju and former AMMA general secretary Edavela Babu too.
Also Read: FIR against actor-MLA Mukesh for rape; actor Jayasurya booked for sexual harassment
Hema Committee report
The Kerala government constituted the Justice Hema Committee after the 2017 actress assault case and its report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.
The publication of the Justice K Hema Committee report opened a can of worms with several female actors stepping forward with disturbing accounts of the mistreatment they faced at the hands of their various male counterparts.
The Hema Commission report was made public on 19 August, five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government.
Following this the government appointed an SIT to probe the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinema. The SIT is set to take further legal action based on the findings of the Hema Committee report.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
