“Why no action based on report?” asks VD Satheesan

MALAPPURAM: Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan has hit out at the LDF government and said it is up to the government and MLA Mukesh, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment, to decide whether he should resign or not. Talking to reporters in Malappuram on Wednesday, Satheesan raised serious concerns over the way the government has handled the Hema Commission report. Satheesan accused the government of playing ‘hide and seek’ to protect certain persons named in the report.

Satheesan said the government’s reluctance to take action on the report has led to a situation where the entire film industry is being tarnished and even innocent people are being unfairly stigmatised. While the report highlights the prevalence of extreme cruelty, including sexual violence and drug abuse within the industry, the government’s inaction has created a culture of impunity.

The leader of the opposition asked the government five critical questions, including why there had been no investigation into the Hema Commission report, which documents a series of crimes in the film industry.

“Why did the government not take action against those accused of covering up sexual violence as required by Indian law? Why did the government redact significant portions of the Hema Commission report before releasing it under the RTI Act?” he asked.

Satheesan questioned the motives behind the extensive redaction. Reports said it was more than what the State Information Commission had suggested. He said it was meant to protect certain individuals.

He criticized the government for the lack of concrete measures to address the problems of sexual violence, drug abuse and the resulting terror highlighted in the report.

Satheesan also accused the government of failing to protect the rights and dignity of women, especially those in the film industry. He alleged that the government’s inaction has not only failed the victims but has also made it complicit in the crimes. He warned that unless these issues are addressed adequately, the problem will continue to plague the state and the people’s trust in the government will further erode.