AMMA Executives Resign Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senior Malayalam actor Siddique faces rape charges, leading to his resignation from AMMA. Mohanlal and executive members of AMMA also resigned amidst the Justice Hema Committee findings on sexual harassment. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the issues within the Malayalam film industry.

The Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered an FIR against senior Malayalam actor Siddique on charges of rape, following a complaint from a young actress. Siddique had earlier stepped down as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) due to the allegations. Siddique has also lodged a complaint with the police, claiming the accusation is a conspiracy against him.

On Monday, actor Mohanlal resigned as president of AMMA amidst the Justice Hema Committee report and sexual harassment allegations against some executive committee members. Mohanlal, along with all executive committee members, stepped down.

The Hema Committee report's aftermath saw a section of AMMA members calling for swift resignations from anyone facing sexual harassment allegations. They argued that the continued presence of such individuals was detrimental to the association's interests.

Following the report, more female actors have come forward with complaints of discrimination and harassment in the Malayalam film industry. Consequently, the government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the challenges faced by women in the industry. The Kerala Police stated that the SIT held a meeting at police headquarters on Tuesday.

'The SIT has been strengthened by including additional women officers. All related cases registered at local police stations are to be handed over to the SIT for further investigation,' a release from the Kerala Police stated. On August 26, Malayali actress Minu Muneer accused some of her co-stars of sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)