Kerala Police files second FIR against Jayasurya after actress’ complaint

Thiruvananthapuram: A new FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya, following an actress’ complaint.

Kerala Police informed ANI, “Second FIR registered against actor Jayasurya under 354, 354A(A1)(I) 354D IPC. The case was registered after the statement of the complainant was recorded. FIR has been registered in Thiruvananthapuram and will be transferred to Thodupuzha police station.”

After the Hema Commission report came out, several women from the Malayalam film industry filed allegations of sexual harassment.

On Thursday, actress Sonia Malhar discussed the topic and revealed shocking incidents of abuse and exploitation during the early years of her career.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “I entered the industry in 2013 and after I had done one or two films, there was an incident on a film set. The shooting was in Thodupuzha. When I reached the location, I noticed that unlike the usual practice where junior artistes are not introduced to the lead actors, I was given some respect because of my background in social work. Even the director came up to me and shook my hand, which is not customary. He then introduced me to the lead actor and actress.”

She continued, “I was asked to get makeup and put on my costume. They said there was a slight change in the location. The makeup and costume room, along with the toilet facilities, were in an old building nearby. When I went to the toilet and came back, someone unexpectedly held me. I was terrified and he later apologized.”

“After that incident, I faced a lot of problems. In films I worked on, payments were delayed and I was replaced after the film was announced in newspapers and on TV. After this news spread, a role that was promised to me was given to someone else,” she added.

Sonia Malhar said she decided to come forward with this accusation when she came to know that an actress from other states had also had such a bad experience and she felt ashamed.

“It’s outrageous that a woman from another state isn’t even given the respect she deserves. When a woman speaks out against the head of the Film Academy, you would expect some shame,” she added.

She said that after the Hema committee report was released, “the silence of many people” deeply “hurt” her.

On August 28, the first FIR was registered against actor and CPI(M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh M, following the complaint of actress Minu Muneer.

Kerala Police informed ANI on Thursday, “An FIR has been registered against actor Mukesh, CPI(M) MLA from Kollam constituency. The FIR was registered based on the complaint of an actress.”

Police also said that another FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya on the complaint of the same actress, under Section 354, which pertains to intent to outrage modesty.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) recorded the actress’s statement yesterday (Wednesday).

Muneer has accused actors Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu of both verbal and physical abuse during their collaboration on film projects.

Speaking to ANI, Muneer detailed her experiences and alleged that she had committed a series of misconducts. “Once, when I came out of the washroom, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully… After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in having a sexual relationship with me,” she alleged.

She further described disturbing interactions with Maniyanpilla Raju, including inappropriate suggestions regarding her hotel accommodations.

The allegations came to light shortly after director Ranjith and actor Siddique resigned from their positions at the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following separate allegations made against them.

Muneer initially shared her allegations on her Facebook page, where she described a series of incidents dating back to 2013.

“I am writing to report on a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse suffered by me at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, Advocate Chandrasekharan and Production Manager Noble and Vichu,” Muneer wrote.

She stated that the abuse led her to leave the Malayalam film industry and move to Chennai.