Kerala Police Registers Second FIR Against Jayasurya After Actress Files Complaint Amid Hema Committee Report

A second FIR has been filed against actor Jayasurya following a complaint from an actress. Kerala Police stated that the new FIR, registered under sections 354, 354A(A1)(I), and 354D of the IPC, came after the complainant's statement was recorded. This case, initially registered in Thiruvananthapuram, will be transferred to the Thodupuzha Police Station.

Following the release of the Hema Committee report, several women from the Malayalam film industry have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Actress Sonia Malhar spoke out, disclosing distressing accounts of mistreatment and exploitation from the early years of her career.

According to ANI, Sonia said, "I entered the industry in 2013 and after doing one or two films, there was an incident on a film set. The shoot was in Thodupuzha. When I arrived on location, I noticed that, unlike the usual practice where junior artists are not introduced to the lead actors, I received some respect because of my social work background. Even the director came up to me and shook my hand, which is not typical. He then introduced me to the lead actor and actress."

"I was asked to go for makeup and change into my costume. They mentioned there was a slight change in the location. The makeup and costume room, along with 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," she added.

The actress further added, "After that incident, I faced many difficulties. In films, I was working on, the 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."

Sonia Malhar revealed that she chose to speak out after learning that actresses from other states had similar troubling experiences. She felt compelled to share her own story due to the shame and distress of hearing about these widespread issues. "It is shameful that a woman from another state cannot even be shown the respect she deserves. When a woman speaks out against the head of the Film Academy, one would expect some shame," she added.

Sonia Malhar expressed her distress over the 'silence from many people' following the release of the Hema Committee report. On August 28, the first FIR was filed against actor and CPI (M) MLA Mukesh M in response to a complaint from actress Minu Muneer. Kerala Police informed ANI that the FIR was registered based on Muneer’s allegations.

Additionally, another FIR has been lodged against actor Jayasurya, also following Muneer's complaint, under section 354 concerning intent to outrage modesty. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) took the actress’s statement on Wednesday. Muneer has accused Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu of both verbal and physical abuse during their work together on film projects.

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