Sexual Harassment Charges: Malayalam Cinema In Turmoil; Kerala Govt Forms Special Probe Team

Kochi: Malayalam cinema has been thrown into turmoil since Justice K Hema committee’s report came to light, revealing incidents of harassment, exploitation, ill-treatment and other human rights abuses of women in the industry.

Hours after two industry heavyweights — filmmaker Ranjith and veteran actor Siddique – quit as chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), respectively, on Sunday, the Kerala government announced formation of a 7-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of sexual harassment against some leading players in the Malayalam film industry.

The SIT will be headed by a female IPS officer, Inspector General Sparjan Kumar, and comprise other senior women police officers.

“Some women working in the field of cinema have come out with interviews and statements describing the ordeals they had to face in the said field. In this matter, Chief Minister called a meeting of top police officials today (25.08.2024),” a statement from CMO read.

Ranjith has been accused of sexual harassment by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra, while Siddique was accused by Revathy Sampath of sexually assaulting her in 2019.