FIR against Malayalam actors Mukesh, Jaysurya in sex abuse charge

An FIR (first information report) has been lodged against actor and CPI(M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh, based on a complaint by the actor Minu Muneer, the news agency ANI reports.

The Kerala Police confirmed that another FIR was filed against actor Jayasurya, based on the same actress's complaint, under Section 354 (intent to outrage a woman's modesty.)

The special investigation team (SIT), set up by the Kerala Government last week, took the statement of the actress on Wednesday.

Ms Muneer alleged that actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu had subjected her to both verbal and physical abuse while working together on various film projects, according to the ANI report.

Ms Muneer, detailed her bad experiences with the male actors, told the ANI:  "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me forcefully" Idavela Babu had expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with her, she claimed.

She also recounted unsettling encounters with Maniyanpilla Raju, including inappropriate suggestions about her hotel arrangements.

The allegations surfaced shortly after the resignation of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their positions in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following separate accusations against them.

Facebook posts in 2013

Ms Muneer's allegations were initially shared on her Facebook page, where she recounted a series of incidents dating back to 2013.

"I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasurya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu," Ms Muneer wrote. She stated that the abuse led her to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai.

Actor Mukesh in a press statement asserted his innocence. "In response to the allegations raised against me and other film industry colleagues, I welcome the ongoing investigations," he said.  "A fair and transparent inquiry is crucial to uncover the truth behind the accusations being discussed in the public domain.”

"As an actor and a people's representative, I hold a deep responsibility towards society. Coming from a family with a rich theatrical tradition, I am perhaps more capable than most of understanding the pain and concerns of those in the arts," he added.

"My mother, who began acting at the age of 14, continues to perform at the age of 87. I have no qualms with those who seek to politically target me. Similar accusations were made against me in 2018 as part of a political drama, which the public dismissed. In the face of those now attempting to judge me, I am providing certain clarifications backed by evidence to demonstrate my innocence," Mr Mukesh added in the press note.

Attempts at blackmail

Mr Mukesh alleged that Ms Muneer had previously sought financial assistance and attempted to blackmail him. "This group, which has been persistently blackmailing me for money, has now turned against me at this opportune moment," Mukesh stated. He has called for a thorough and transparent investigation to clear his name.

The situation got complicated by the recent release of a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report, which details various instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report underscores the influence of a small group of male figures who wield significant control over the industry’s operations.

A case was registered by the Kerala Police on Monday against Malayalam movie director Ranjith following the complaint of sexual abuse by the Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra.

                                              (By arrangement with livemint.com)