Sexual Misconduct Allegations Rock Malayalam Film Industry Amid Minister's Silence

Allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced within the Malayalam film industry, leading to public outcry and governmental action. Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has refrained from commenting, deferring to the Cultural Affairs Minister. Significant figures, including director Ranjith and actor Siddique, face serious accusations, prompting rigorous investigations and public scrutiny.

In a wave of renewed allegations of sexual misconduct within the Malayalam film industry, actor-turned-politician and Kerala's Minister for Transport, KB Ganesh Kumar, has refrained from commenting on the sensitive issue. Kumar emphasized that addressing such matters falls under the purview of the Minister for Cultural Affairs, who has already provided necessary clarifications.

'I am unable to comment on any issue at the moment. The Cultural Affairs Minister should address the matter, as he has already clarified. I am the Minister for Transport, and the media is causing undue distress. This kind of relentless pursuit is unnecessary,' Ganesh Kumar stated during a media interaction. He added, 'For the past 23 years, the media has been hunting me down, but there is no substance left in me for them to exploit.'

The controversy has arisen amidst mounting scrutiny of the Malayalam film industry following the August 19 release of the Justice Hema Committee report. The report, exposing systemic issues regarding the treatment of women in the industry, has prompted the government to form a special team to investigate the allegations.

The report's findings have intensified public attention and led to significant repercussions within the industry. Actress Sreelekha Mitra has accused prominent Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith of misconduct, leading to his resignation as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.

Kerala's Minister for Cultural and Youth Affairs, Saji Cherian, has vowed a thorough investigation, asserting, 'The government will not protect whoever is at fault. Action is assured if the allegations against Film Academy Chairman Ranjith are proven.' The scandal has also prompted sharp criticisms from filmmaker Biju, demanding Ranjith's immediate removal and criticizing perceived governmental inaction.

Compounding the controversy, actress Revathy Sampath has publicly accused Malayalam actor Siddique, who is also the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), of sexual misconduct. Sampath detailed her distressing experience with Siddique, recounting that he initially contacted her through a seemingly fake social media account.

Sampath described how a professional meeting with Siddique allegedly turned into a disturbing encounter where she was assaulted and threatened. She expressed frustration at the lack of support received and her ongoing struggle to regain her footing in the industry. 'I sought help but received no support. Nobody was there. No support groups were available for me... It's not that I haven't taken legal action; I did once. But I can't do it again,' Sampath shared in an interaction with ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)