Indian actress Minu Muneer has accused her four actors of sexual harassment amid the shocking revelations of abuse of women prevalent in the industry made by the Justice Hema Committee report, media reports said.
In a Facebook post, Muneer accused Mukesh, Maniyanpiilla Raju, Idavela Babu and Jayasurya of physical and verbal abuse on the set of a 2013 film.
“In 2013, I was subjected to physical and verbal abuse by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working, but the abuse became unbearable. As a result, I was forced to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai.
“I had spoken out against the abuse in a newspaper article. I am now seeking justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering I endured. I request your assistance in taking action against them for their heinous actions,” the actress wrote on Facebook.
Later speaking to NDTV, Muneer said, “I had a bitter experience while shooting for a film. I had gone to the toilet and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked and I ran out.”
In another incident, Muneer claimed she had approached Association of Malayalam Movie Artists secretary Idavela Babu to apply for membership.
Muneer said she was physically abused by Idavela Babu at his flat where she was called on the pretense of the membership application.
Muneer claimed Idavela Babu had rejected her application to become a member of the association after she turned down his advances.
Maniyanpiilla Raju, one of the accused, has demanded a probe into the allegations claiming the accusations are backed by several vested interests.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has formed a seven-member panel to probe into the allegations.
Ranjith quits Kerala Film Academy after Bengali actress trades misconduct charges against him
Malayalam director Ranjith has resigned as the chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy over the charges of misconduct levelled against him by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra.
Ranjith has communicated his decision to step down to state Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian.
Sreelekha Mitra, who is now at the forefront of RG Kar protests in Kolkata, alleged that Ranjith had misbehaved with her at his residence in 2009.
Sreelekha had reportedly gone there to discuss a project.
The actress claimed she felt uncomfortable by “subtle advances” by Ranjith.
