#MeToo: SIT launches investigation into allegations of sexual harassment

Hema committee report. (iStock)

The Kerala Police, which has set up the SIT (Special Investigation Team), on Friday, August 30, began investigating the seven cases of sexual harassment allegations registered in Kochi against actors and directors from the Malayalam film industry.

Each case is being handled by a separate investigating officer, ensuring a thorough and focused approach to the investigations. DIG Poonguzhali, who has been appointed as the head of these cases, will oversee the investigation in Kochi.

Following allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation against several actors and directors, the state government on August 25 announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the allegations.

The main objective of the investigating officers on Friday is to record confidential statements from the complainants.

The team is also expected to take further action in the case against director Ranjith. Besides, MLA and actor Mukesh will arrive in Kochi on Friday to meet his lawyer and submit additional evidence. After taking legal advice, he is expected to address the media.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) secretariat will meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, where a decision on the MLA’s resignation is expected to be taken.

An FIR was registered against Mukesh at Maradu police station in Ernakulam on Thursday for non-bailable offences including rape (IPC 376).

At the same time, it is reported that more suspects are expected to approach the District Sessions Court to apply for interim bail.

This move underscores the growing legal complexity surrounding the case and the increased efforts of those involved to obtain legal protection.

Related: The Media Are Witnesses, So Why Does It Take So Long For Justice To Be Served?

Report of the Hema Commission

The FIRs against well-known Malayalam film personalities come after several actresses accused them of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour, following revelations in the Justice K Hema commission’s report.

The release of the Justice K Hema Commission report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has sparked a storm of protest. Several female actors have come forward with disturbing stories of abuse they faced at the hands of their male counterparts.

The Kerala government formed the Justice Hema Committee after the 2017 actress sexual assault case. The report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)

(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)