OPPN demands resignation of Kerala Culture Minister

Kochi Islands: Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Saturday demanded the resignation of Culture Minister Saji Cherian, alleging that the Left leader was siding with the perpetrators in connection with the atrocities mentioned in the Justice Hema Commission report.

The Hema Commission report that was released recently has created political unrest in the state. The report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry, leading to calls for action against the culprits.

Satheesan alleged on Saturday that Cherian had refused to make the report public for four years and that a case can be initiated only if a complaint is filed.

The minister refused to support the victims and in fact supported the perpetrators, Satheesan said.

“It is better that he (Cherian) resigns. He is not fit to remain a minister…,” Satheesan said.

The opposition party demanded that a woman IPS officer investigate the allegations in the Hema committee report.

“There are statements regarding the sexual atrocities against women. It is a criminal offence not to register a case after coming to know about atrocities against women.

“The government has included all the statements of the victims in the report,” the Congress leader said.

He said the government can conduct an investigation without releasing the names of the victims.

“But the government is taking a stand that not even a case will be registered in this matter. The government stands with the perpetrators,” Satheesan alleged.