From PG 1

Kochi

Edavela Babu, the former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), was arrested on Wednesday following questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with a sexual abuse case initiated by a complaint from a former actress. However, he was released on bail after having obtained anticipatory bail earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Mukesh, a veteran actor and two-time CPI-M legislator, was also questioned and arrested but was released on bail due to his anticipatory bail status as well. The Malayalam film industry has been embroiled in controversy since the release of the Justice Hema Committee report on August 19, which investigated the working conditions for women in the industry. This report led to multiple allegations against prominent figures in the field.

As of now, the Kerala Police have filed FIRs against 11 individuals, including nine from the film industry, based on actresses’ complaints. Those facing allegations include Mukesh, Jayasurya, Siddique, Maniyanpilla Raju, and directors Ranjith and V.K. Prakash. Additionally, director Prakash was also arrested last week after a young writer accused him of past sexual harassment. The SIT is expected to meet with several actresses who provided testimony to the Hema Committee, as they prepare to submit an action report to the High Court by October 3.