Ernakulam SP Reacts to Hema Committee Report: SIT Gathers Victim Statements

Ernakulam SP G Poonguzhali addressed the response to the Hema Committee Report, highlighting the steps taken by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in collecting victim statements for legal action. Shocking allegations of sexual harassment emerged within the Malayalam film industry, resulting in key resignations, including that of actor Mohanlal from AMMA.

Reacting to the Hema Committee Report, Ernakulam SP G Poonguzhali announced that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has collected statements from victims and issued detailed instructions to various police stations for legal action. 'The SIT has taken the statements of the victims. Different incidents have occurred within the jurisdictions of multiple police stations. Detailed statements have been issued to these police stations for appropriate legal action. Upon filing the FIRs, the cases will be transferred to the SIT for further investigation,' stated the SP to ANI.

In the Malayalam film industry, several women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Actor Sonia Malhar revealed distressing incidents of mistreatment during the early stages of her career. 'I entered the industry in 2013 and faced an incident on a film set after participating in one or two films. The shoot was in Thodupuzha, and my social work background earned me unexpected respect. Even the director shook my hand and introduced me to the lead actors,' she recounted to ANI.

Consequently, actor Mohanlal resigned as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) along with the entire executive committee members. The resignations followed the release of the Hema Committee report and sexual harassment allegations. Mohanlal informed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of his decision. Some AMMA members had demanded that individuals facing such allegations resign from key positions, stating that their continued presence was not in the association's best interest.

On August 26, actress Minu Muneer leveled sexual harassment accusations against her co-stars, including actors M Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu. She alleged that they subjected her to verbal and physical abuse during movie shoots.

(With inputs from agencies.)