The Kerala government has formed a special investigation team, headed by a senior police officer, to probe allegations of sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry. Following recent interviews and statements from multiple women in the industry detailing their struggles, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting with top police officials on Sunday, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
It was decided that the special investigation team, led by IGP G Sparjan Kumar, would examine these complaints and revelations. This decision comes after the release of the Hema Committee Report last week, which exposed numerous cases of sexual abuse in the film industry, prompting many women to speak out about their experiences of sexual harassment.
The investigation team will include senior women police officers and will be overseen by Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh. Members of the special team include IGP G Sparjan Kumar, DIG S Ajeetha Beegum, SP Crime Branch HQ Merin Joseph, AIG Coastal Police G Poonkuzhali, Assistant Director of the Kerala Police Academy Aishwarya Dongre, AIG Law & Order Ajith V, and SP Crime Branch S Madhusoodanan.
Renowned filmmaker Ranjith resigned as Chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy on Sunday morning following allegations of sexual assault, as confirmed by the Kerala Cultural Minister's Office. Ranjith's resignation followed accusations from Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra, who claimed he misbehaved with her in 2009.
Last week, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public. The 235-page report, which redacts the names of witnesses and the accused, highlights that the industry is dominated by approximately 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who exert significant control. The report confirms the existence of the 'casting couch' practice and reveals shocking details about the exploitation of women, including poor working conditions and the need for sexual favors to secure roles.
The Committee also discovered that women are often denied basic human rights, such as access to toilets and changing rooms, even on set. During outdoor shoots, women frequently have to find secluded areas to change or use the bathroom, without access to water or basic facilities.
