-1724996605443.webp)
- By Ridhi Suri
- Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Malayalam film industry is facing a major controversy as actresses accuse several high-profile figures of sexual harassment. Recently, an aspiring male actor has filed a new complaint against director Ranjith, alleging that he coerced him into undressing and sexually assaulted him.
Kerala Police have confirmed to ANI that they have received this complaint against the filmmaker. The aspiring male actor claims that director Ranjith forced him to strip naked and sexually assaulted him in 2012. According to the allegations, Ranjith had invited the actor to a hotel in Bangalore for an audition, where the incident occurred. Initially, the actor thought it was part of the audition process. The following morning, Ranjith reportedly offered him money. The actor has now filed a complaint with the DGP, and the SIT will review it.
On Monday, Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra lodged a complaint with the Kochi City Police against film director Ranjith, a day after he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy. This action follows her recent public allegations of sexual misconduct. A case has been filed against Ranjith based on Mitra's complaint.
IGP & Commissioner of Police S. Syamsundar informed ANI on Monday, "We have received a complaint from the victim in the abuse case regarding Director Ranjith. A crime has been registered at the North Police Station under Section 354, and the investigation will proceed according to the mandate decided by the special investigation team constituted by the government."
Earlier this month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry was released. The 235-page document reveals disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of women professionals. It highlights that the industry is dominated by 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who wield significant control.
Prepared by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge and established by the state government in 2017, the report was submitted to the Pinarayi-led Kerala government in December 2019 and only made public recently. On Sunday, the Kerala government announced the formation of a special investigation team, led by a senior police officer, to probe the allegations of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry.