BJP Criticizes Kerala’s Investigation Team for Handling Sexual Harassment Cases in Malayalam Cinema

BJP leader V Muraleedharan criticized the Kerala government for forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe sexual harassment allegations in the Malayalam film industry, arguing the SIT lacks authority. Opposition leader VD Satheesan also accused the government of delaying the Hema Committee report release.

BJP leader and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan on Monday criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala for establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into sexual harassment allegations against actors in Malayalam cinema. He claimed the SIT lacks the jurisdiction to file FIRs, suggesting the move aims to shield perpetrators. 'The victims of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry have come forward, but it's surprising that the state government has chosen not to take any legal action. It's been more than 48 hours since these statements became public, yet no FIR has been registered,' Muraleedharan told ANI.

He continued, 'The SIT does not have the authority to register an FIR, indicating a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from the real issue and create an illusion that the government is acting, when in fact, it has chosen not to.' The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team, led by senior police officer IGP G Sparjan Kumar, to investigate sexual exploitation allegations detailed in the Hema Committee report. The team comprises four women IPS officers and two senior police officials and operates under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh.

Last week, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on the harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry was made public. The report reveals disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of female professionals. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, vehemently criticized the state government for delaying the release of the Hema Committee report by five years. Satheesan accused the government of 'concealing the report' and attempting to 'protect the culprits.'

Speaking to ANI, Satheesan said, 'The government has been hiding the report for nearly five years. Numerous actresses in the Malayalam film industry submitted complaints to the committee, and their testimonies are documented. The report, along with a pen drive containing evidence and WhatsApp messages, has been in the government's possession for almost five years.' (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)