Govt won’t protect anyone guilty of misconduct against women in Malayalam film industry: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday asserted that the state government will not protect anyone found guilty of misconduct against women in the Malayalam film industry even as actresses have come forward with incriminating allegations against several top artists and directors.

Her statement came after prominent actor Siddique and noted director Ranjith resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and president of the Kerala State Film Academy after they were accused of sexual abuse by female actors.

Talking to media persons, George said, “Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already made the government’s stand clear. We will not support or protect anyone involved in wrongdoing. Legal action will be taken against those who are guilty.”

She also called on women in the film industry who have faced abuse to come forward and file complaints, assuring them that the police would file cases and launch investigations based on this.

“If they need assistance in filing a complaint, the state Women and Child Development Department is ready to provide the necessary support,” she said.

George also praised the efforts of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), acknowledging their role in bringing to light the harrowing experiences of women in the industry.

“It was the WCC that brought these issues to the attention of the government. In response, the government set up a committee to study their concerns. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the committee’s report and further action will be taken based on its findings,” she said.

After the Justice Hema Commission report finally came out, which exposed the abuse and sexual exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry, there have been demands that the AMMA come clean about allegations of sexual abuse against its members.

Noted Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra openly stated in 2009 that she was sexually abused and harassed by Malayalam director Ranjith, leading to his dismissal as director from the state film academy.

When actor Revathi Sampath alleged that popular actor Siddique had sexually assaulted her on a film set, he resigned from his AMMA post. Sampath on Sunday also alleged that Malayalam actor Riyas Khan had called her and forced her to talk about sex. “Riyas Khan had called me and asked if I was interested in sex and the position I wanted. I was in shock and when I came to, he told me that if I was not interested, I could suggest some of my friends who would be interested and since he was in Kochi for nine days straight to shoot for a film,” she told reporters here.

Source: IANS

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