Outrage in Kerala as opposition accuses govt of shielding accused; second case against Jayasurya

Protests raged in Kerala on Friday as outrage grew over shocking accounts from several female actors in the Malayalam film industry, with the Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accusing the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, including actor-politician Mukesh, who stands accused of sexual assault. Mahila Congress activists in Kochi and Kollam took to the streets, demanding the resignation of CPI(M) MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation into the shocking allegations of sexual misconduct made by female actors in the Malayalam film industry to the Justice Hema Committee.

In Kochi, demonstrators vented their anger by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique, and Ranjith -- all accused of sexual assault -- with brooms. In Kollam, a protest march was held outside Mukesh's residence, with activists calling for his immediate resignation as MLA. Satheesan alleged that the accused in the Malayalam film industry scandal are being protected by a "power group" within the ruling CPI(M), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He claimed that even Left leaders who have called for action against the accused, such as CPI(M)'s Brinda Karat and CPI's Binoy Viswam, are being intimidated by the party's "power group." The so-called progressive leaders are weak in the face of this "power group," he said. "The government is shielding the culprits. Despite causing so much trouble, they are facing no consequences, but the film industry will face even more difficulties in the coming days," the opposition leader said. He noted that even after survivors spoke out courageously to the Justice Hema Committee, the lack of legal action from the government and police would lead to despair. "What is happening is a gross violation of the justice system," Satheesan alleged.

Attacking the chief minister, he said after the Hema Committee report came out, Vijayan stopped holding press conferences. "He is not even visible now. Even if he holds a press conference, he will only answer questions that he likes," the Congress leader said. He said that the opposition demands the resignation of accused MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation, as recommended by the Hema Committee report. "The decision on resignation should be taken by Mukesh and the CPI(M). If Mukesh is not willing to resign, the CPI(M) should take the decision. Despite pressure from allies and leaders, the chief minister and party leadership are not budging. By taking a stand to protect the accused, the CPI(M) is becoming a laughing stock in front of the people," he said.

Armed with the Justice K Hema Committee report, which detailed explosive allegations of sexual abuse by male actors in the Malayalam cinema industry, several female actors came forward with complaints against their male counterparts, leading to the registration of FIRs against actor-politician Mukesh, Sidhique, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, and director Ranjith. The committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case, and its report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

Kerala police have registered a second sexual assault case against Malayalam film actor Jayasurya within a span of 48 hours, following a fresh complaint from a woman actor alleging sexual misconduct, in addition to the existing case registered against him on August 28. Police said the new FIR under Section 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Jayasurya was registered at the Karamana police station here on Thursday.

Section 354 C of the IPC, which deals with voyeurism, has also been invoked against the actor based on the complaint by the female actor, police said. The woman, in a complaint, alleged that he molested her at a movie set near Thodupuzha during 2012-2013.

The cantonment police in Thiruvananthapuram confirmed on Thursday that a case under the same section was registered against Jayasoorya in another case. Multiple FIRs have been registered against many high profile Malayalam film personalities following allegations of sexual harassment against various directors and actors in the wake of revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report. A rape case was registered on Wednesday night against prominent Malayalam actor and ruling CPI(M) MLA Mukesh following a female actor's allegation that he sexually assaulted her years ago. On August 28, Thiruvananthapuram Museum police had booked actor Sidhique for allegedly raping an actress in a hotel eight years ago.

The first case, under IPC Section 354 was against director Ranjith on a complaint by a female actor from West Bengal regarding an incident which occurred in 2009. Following the allegation by the actor, Ranjith had resigned from his post as chairman of the state-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy. Sidhique had also resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following the allegations against him.

The Justice Hema Committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case, and its report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry. Amidst allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation cropping up against several actors and directors, the state government on August 25 announced the establishment of a seven-member special investigation team to probe them. Subsequently, more complaints surfaced.