Actor accuses co-stars of sexual harassment after Hema committee report

After the Justice K Hema bench exposed sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry, actor Minu Muneer on Monday (August 26) made similar allegations against stars M Mukesh and Jayasurya.

The allegations came out just a day after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following similar allegations.

In a Facebook post, the actor alleged that four of her co-stars — Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu and Jayasurya — had physically and verbally harassed her during the shoot of a film in 2013.

“I had gone to the toilet and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked and ran outside,” Minu said NDTV and make more job offers if she agrees.

In another incident, the actor alleged that he had contacted AMMA secretary Idavela Babu for a membership application, after which she was physically assaulted on the pretext of completing the application process.

Minu also alleged that actor and CPI(M) MP Mukesh blocked her membership after she rejected his advances, claiming, “There is a lot of exploitation in the Malayalam film industry.”

She said that when the abuse became unbearable, she left the Malayalam film industry and moved to Chennai. However, she still seeks justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering.

Actor Maniyanpilla Raju, who is also accused by Minu, denies the allegations, alleging vested interests behind it and demanding a full investigation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that a seven-member special team will be formed to investigate atrocities against female actors, amid mounting pressure following the Hema Commission report.