4 prominent Malayalam actors face fresh sexual harassment allegations
What's the story
Actor Minu Muneer has accused several actors, including a two-time CPI(M) MLA, of sexual misconduct.
The allegations come after the recent resignations of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) general secretary Siddique over similar accusations.
Muneer named actors Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, and actor-MLA M Mukesh in a Facebook post.
She plans to file a complaint with the state police team investigating the revelations from the Hema Committee report.
Ordeal shared
Jayasurya forcibly hugged and kissed her during a shoot
In an interview with NDTV, Muneer went into the details of the assault she faced during a 2013 film shoot.
She revealed that Jayasurya had hugged and kissed her without her consent after she returned from a restroom during the shoot.
He even offered her more work if she was willing to be with him.
Muneer said these experiences forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and move to Chennai.
She's now seeking justice and accountability for her trauma.
Membership denial
Muneer claims she was denied AMMA membership
Muneer claims that in 2013, she applied for AMMA membership but was denied after an incident at an actor's flat.
She alleges that while filling out the application form at then-AMMA secretary Babu's flat, he kissed her neck from behind. She immediately left the flat and did not receive the membership.
Even actor Mukesh denied her AMMA membership after she rejected his advances.
Allegations
Muneer alleges assault during film shoots
As per Indian Express, Muneer alleged that an actor attempted to assault her in a hotel during the filming of Calender (2009) and Nadakame Ulakam (2011).
She claims the actor pulled her onto a bed and told her she would need to "consider those who have to be considered for getting better chances."
She also accused another actor of telling her he would visit her room the next night.
Information
Third actor accused of misconduct in 2008
Muneer further alleged that a third actor behaved inappropriately with her in 2008.
She claims the actor grabbed her from behind and kissed her after she left a restroom during a shoot.
The actor also allegedly invited her to his flat, which she declined.
Investigation call
Accused actor calls for investigation into allegations
Raju is the only one to address the accusations till now; he called for an investigation into the allegations.
He claims there are multiple vested interests behind the accusations and that a comprehensive investigation is necessary.
"Some people will try to capitalize on the situation. Among those accused, there will be both innocent and guilty parties. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary," he said.