Kerala moves forward as Governor CM trusts action against sexual abuse in Malayalam cinemas

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Sunday expressed confidence in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s promise to take action if victims of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry come forward. The move comes amid calls for an inquiry into revelations in the Hema Commission report.

The governor said: “I think the prime minister has said that if they come forward with specific complaints, the process will be initiated. He has already said it. I am not saying anything because I am not involved in the subject. But I want to trust what the prime minister has said, that if the victims come forward and file a complaint against those perpetrators, the legal process will be initiated.”

The Kerala government has announced the formation of a special investigation team headed by senior police officer IGP G Sparjan Kumar to probe the allegations. Following the public release of the redacted report of the Justice Hema Committee, which exposed cases of sexual harassment in the industry, many women have come forward. The investigation team will include senior women police officers and will operate under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh.

Chief Minister Vijayan stressed that appropriate action would be taken if any of the victims came forward with complaints. Opposition leader VD Satheesan has demanded an inquiry into the allegations and called for accountability in the Malayalam film industry.

The Justice Hema Committee report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, reveals exploitation, casting couches and poor working conditions for women. Despite these revelations, Satheesan argues that the government has not taken sufficient action.

(With input from agencies.)