Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst daily reports of sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry, actor Mohanlal resigned from his position as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) on Tuesday.
The entire executive committee of AMMA has resigned. The association released a statement declaring the dissolution of the committee following allegations of sexual abuse against some of its members, which received extensive media coverage.
The statement said in the wake of the allegations by some actors against certain committee members, AMMA resolved to dissolve the executive committee owing moral responsibility. A new committee would be elected within the next two months, it said.
“We hope for a leadership capable of revamping and strengthening the association to assume control shortly. We are grateful to everyone for highlighting our errors," the statement read.
The executive committee members who submitted their resignations on Tuesday include Jagadish, Jayan Cherthala, Baburaj, Kalabhavan Shajon, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Joy Mathew, Suresh Krishna, Tini Tom, Ananya, Vinu Mohan, Tovino Thomas, Sarayu, Ansiba, and Jomol.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi roughshod journalists’
Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi on Tuesday confronted the media when they asked for his reaction to the numerous cases of sexual harassment that have come up in the Malayalam film industry. The minister described the daily surfacing of allegations of sexual harassment as mere fodder for the media. "You can profit from it. You are undermining a significant institution. You resemble those who incite fights among goats only to consume their blood. The media is attempting to deceive the public and alter their mindset," he stated.
He took the opportunity to impart a few lessons on journalism to the reporters. "You should pose questions related to AMMA when I am at or leaving the association's office. Inquiries about the office ought to be made outside of it, just as questions about the home should be asked outside the home," he suggested to the journalists.
Suresh Gopi stated that the courts are equipped to make the right decisions regarding sexual harassment cases. He emphasised that many complaints are simply allegations, and it is not within the media's jurisdiction to determine their outcomes.
Soon after Suresh Gopi's altercation with journalists, BJP state president K Surendran stated that the party's position on the resignation of actor Mukesh, who is accused of sexual harassment, will be determined by him and not by the union minister.
The state president is responsible for declaring the party's position. This statement follows Suresh Gopi's recent support for actor Mukesh MLA, he added.
Annie Raja demands Mukesh’s resignation
Veteran CPI leader Annie Raja has called for the resignation of Mukesh amidst sexual harassment allegations. "Individuals in positions of power ought to resign to undergo investigation. Otherwise, it may lead the public to question the integrity of the probe. The government should ensure that such doubts are not cast," she said.
If Mukesh does not voluntarily step down, he should be removed from his position to allow for a fair investigation. Annie Raja stated that the mass resignation from AMMA, the film stars' association, was unavoidable. She expressed her hope that this collective step down would catalyze a thorough transformation within the film industry.
DGP convenes SIT Meeting
All cases filed at local police stations related to sexual abuse in the film industry will be transferred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
During the SIT meeting convened by DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib on Tuesday, it was resolved that senior female police officers will investigate all significant cases, and the team has been expanded to include more female officers, according to an official release by the Kerala Police.
