After MLA Mukesh, SIT arrests Malayalam actor Edavela Babu in sexual abuse case, releases him on bail

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police probing alleged incidents of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry has recorded the arrest of actor Edavela Babu, who is also the former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA).

The arrest is in connection with the sexual assault case filed against Babu by a female actor. However, since Babu has secured anticipatory bail, he will be released after a medical examination.

After the Hema Commission report was released, which exposed the harassment of female actors in the Malayalam film industry, several actors came forward and openly spoke about the cases of sexual abuse they had faced.

Also read: FIR against actor-MLA Mukesh for rape; actor Jayasurya booked for sexual harassment

Questioned by SIT

Babu was interrogated by the SIT for about three hours after which his arrest was recorded.

On Tuesday, actor-turned-MLA M Mukesh was also arrested in a similar manner. He was also released on the backdrop of an anticipatory bail.

However, the Kerala High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of actor Siddique in connection with a sexual harassment complaint filed by a young female actor.

The Thiruvananthapuram Museum Police on August 28 registered a case against Siddique, charging him with rape among other charges, under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.

Judge CS Dias, who presided over the case, rejected the actor’s bail application after reviewing key evidence provided by the investigating team, raising the possibility of his arrest soon. He is reportedly on the run.

Report of the Hema Commission

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.

The publication of the Justice K Hema Commission report opened a Pandora’s box, with several female actors coming forward with disturbing stories of abuse they faced at the hands of their male colleagues.

The Hema Commission report was made public on August 19, five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government.

Following this, the government has appointed an SIT to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of women in Malayalam cinemas. The SIT is expected to take further legal action based on the findings of the Hema Commission report.

Sources reveal that there are more than 20 cases with serious allegations. The complainants in these cases will be contacted and legal proceedings will be initiated with their consent. Further, the SIT has decided that if the persons give new statements, the team will proceed with necessary legal action.

(Edited by Muhamed Fazil)