Actor Rima Kallingal sends slander message to singer Suchitra over drug trafficking allegations

Rima Kallingal sent Suchitra a smear message after Suchitra alleged that Rima’s residence was used for a drug party.

Founder of Actor and Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) Rima Kallingal has filed a defamation lawsuit against playback singer Search. Rima sent a slanderous message to Suchitra after the latter alleged that Rima’s residence was used for a drug-fueled party. On September 3, Rima took to her Instagram platform to brand Suchitra’s allegations as “baseless.”

“For years, many of you have supported the WCC and its cause. It is this support and trust that compelled me to write to you now. Over the past two days, several news channels have reported on statements made by Tamil singer Suchitra in an interview with a YouTube channel. In the 30-minute interview, she not only names and shames the 2017 sexual assault survivor, claiming that the survivor ‘knew it was coming’, but also alleges that CM Pinarayi, Mohanlal and Mammootty conspired through the Hema committee to sabotage the careers of actors like Fahadh. We all know why the Hema committee was formed and anyone who claims otherwise must be questioned,” Rima wrote.

“While these wild theories didn’t make it into the mainstream news, her unsubstantiated statement about me – based on a news article she read about my so-called ‘arrest’ – did gain traction. Let me make it clear that nothing of the sort ever happened. I have decided to take action. I have filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Team and sent a defamation letter. To all those who believe in our cause, let’s continue together. Thank you for your support,” Rima said in her Instagram post.

Allegations of sexual abuse against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry followed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report, which revealed some shocking details of crimes against women in the industry.

The report, which detailed shocking stories of intimidation, exploitation and abuse of female professionals, has sparked outrage across the sector.

The report was made public on August 19, after the names of witnesses and the accused were redacted. The report noted that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who dominate and exercise control over the industry.

The Justice K Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government following the 2017 sexual assault case of a female actor. It was formed following a petition filed by the Women in Cinema Collective.

(With ANI inputs)