Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe complaints of sexual assault in Malayalam film industry on Wednesday arrested actor Edavela Babu, former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).
SIT recorded the arrest after interrogating Babu, but the actor will be allowed to go after completing necessary procedures because the Ernakulam principal sessions court had granted him and actor-politician Mukesh anticipatory bail a week ago. The duo, thus, has immunity from being taken in custody immediately.
Former actor Minu Muneer was among many artistes to open out about sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. She accused Babu and Mukesh of physical and verbal abuse. The duo apart, Minu named seven individuals, included popular Malayalam actor Jayasurya.
She had shared her ordeal in a post on Facebook last month.
“I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh,Maniyan Pilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, adv Chandrasekaran, production controller Noble and Vichu in the Malayalam film industry,” Minu stated.
“In 2013, I was subjected to physical and verbal abuse by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable. As a result, I was forced to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai,” she added.
Based on her complaint, an FIR was filed against the seven men.
Babu, Mukesh and Jayasurya have claimed their innocence. Mukesh called for a fair and transparent inquiry.