Kerala Moves Forward as Governor Trusts CM on Action Against Sexual Abuse in Malayalam Cinema

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expresses trust in CM Pinarayi Vijayan's commitment to acting against sexual abuses in the Malayalam film industry. Following the Justice Hema Committee report, a special investigation team will probe the allegations, amidst calls for accountability from opposition leaders.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Sunday expressed his trust in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's promise to take action if victims of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry come forward. This response comes amid calls for an investigation into revelations from the Hema Committee report.

The Governor said, "I think the chief minister on record said that if they come with specific complaints, the process will be set in motion. He has already said it. I am not saying anything because I do not deal with the subject. But I would like to trust what the chief minister has said, that if the victims come forward and they file a complaint against those perpetrators, then the process of law will be set in motion."

The Kerala government has announced the formation of a special investigation team led by senior police officer IGP G Sparjan Kumar to look into these allegations. Following the public release of the Justice Hema Committee's redacted report, which revealed instances of sexual harassment in the industry, many women have spoken out. The investigation team will include senior women police officers and will operate under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh.

Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized that appropriate action would be taken if any of the victims come forward with complaints. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has demanded an investigation into the allegations, pressing for accountability in the Malayalam film industry.

The Justice Hema Committee report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, exposes exploitation, casting couches, and poor working conditions for women. Despite these revelations, Satheesan argues that the government has not taken sufficient action.

(With inputs from agencies.)