Actor Mukesh | Photo: Facebook/mukeshcineactor
Kochi: Actor Mukesh, who is also a CPI(M) MLA, was removed from a committee tasked with creating film-related policies by the state government two days after a special panel was formed to look into the findings of the Hema Committee amid the #MeToo controversy in the Malayalam film industry, according to NDTV.
Actor Mukesh has been accused of sexual harassment by actress Minu Muneer. Additionally, Muneer has accused Maniyanpilla Raju, Jayasurya, and Idavela Babu of verbal and physical harassment while they worked together on movie projects. Muneer first made accusations on her Facebook page, detailing a string of events that started in 2013.
The Hema Committee study exposed incidents of harassment in the Malayalam film industry, leading to demands for intervention. Following individual claims against them, actor Siddique and director Ranjith resigned from their roles in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), giving rise to the allegations.
Speaking to ANI, Muneer said, "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she claimed, Livemint reported.
Actor Mukesh M, who is also a member of the Legislative Assembly, responded to these grave charges by claiming his innocence in a press release, the
"In response to the allegations raised against me and other film industry colleagues, I welcome the ongoing investigations. A fair and transparent inquiry is crucial to uncover the truth behind the accusations being discussed in the public domain," he said.
Mukesh claimed that Muneer had previously asked for financial assistance and had also attempted to blackmail him. "This group, which has been persistently blackmailing me for money, has now turned against me at this opportune moment," Mukesh stated.
A special investigative team has been formed to look into claims, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
"In light of recent interviews and statements from several women in the Malayalam film industry detailing the hardships they have faced, we have convened a meeting with senior police officials to ensure a thorough investigation," read an official release from the Chief Minister's Office.