Protests Erupt in Kerala Over Sexual Abuse Allegations in Malayalam Film Industry

Protests erupted in Kerala as public outrage mounted over allegations of sexual abuse by male actors in the Malayalam film industry. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan accused the CPI(M)-led government of protecting the accused, including actor-politician Mukesh. Mahila Congress activists demanded Mukesh's resignation and a thorough investigation.

Protests erupted in Kerala on Friday, fueled by growing outrage over shocking sexual abuse allegations made by several female actors in the Malayalam film industry. Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accused the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, which include actor-politician Mukesh.

Mahila Congress activists in Kochi and Kollam took to the streets, demanding Mukesh's resignation and a thorough investigation into the allegations brought forward to the Justice Hema Committee. In Kochi, demonstrators expressed their fury by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique, and Ranjith with brooms.

Satheesan alleged that a 'power group' within the ruling CPI(M), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is protecting the accused. He noted the lack of legal action and the intimidation faced by even leftist leaders calling for justice. Satheesan highlighted the need for immediate resignation and investigation to uphold justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)