Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan Speaks on Malayalam Film Industry Abuse Allegations
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 26: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan announced that the Raj Bhavan has not received any complaints regarding the sexual abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry. This statement comes after the state government released a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report, which details harassment faced by women in the industry.
Governor Khan mentioned that the state government has assured action if specific complaints are made. He said, “The CM has already announced that if people come forward with specific complaints then the law will take its course. Raj Bhavan has not received any complaint so far.”
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan criticized the government, alleging a cover-up and delay in action. He stated, “The government has been concealing the report for nearly five years. Many actresses working in the Malayalam film industry have lodged complaints with the committee, and their testimonies are documented. The report, along with a pen drive containing the evidence and WhatsApp messages, has been with the government for nearly five years.”
Satheesan further alleged that the government is trying to protect the culprits by omitting significant portions of the report. He said, “It is evident that the government is trying to protect the culprits. When the report was disclosed, the government tampered with it by omitting nearly 120-117 paragraphs. They are clearly trying to shield the perpetrators in this case.”
In response, the Kerala government has formed a special investigation team led by senior police officer IGP G Sparjan Kumar to investigate the allegations. The team includes four women IPS officers and two senior police officials and will operate under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh. The 235-page report notes that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and influence the industry.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala Governor -: The Governor is a person who represents the President of India in a state. Arif Mohammed Khan is the current Governor of Kerala.
Raj Bhavan -: Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the Governor of a state in India. It is where the Governor lives and works.
Malayalam Film Industry -: This is the film industry based in Kerala, where movies are made in the Malayalam language.
Justice Hema Committee -: This is a group led by Justice Hema, formed to investigate harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
Opposition Leader -: This is a person who leads the main political party that is not in power. VD Satheesan is the current Opposition Leader in Kerala.
Special Investigation Team -: This is a group of police officers formed to investigate serious cases. They are looking into the abuse allegations in the Malayalam film industry.
