Kerala government forms special team to investigate allegations of abuse in film industry

In response to rising concerns about the treatment of women in the Malayalam film industry, the Kerala government has established a special investigation team to address allegations of harassment and abuse.

The formation of this seven-member team follows a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, involving senior police officials. The team will be led by IG Sparjan Kumar and will include four senior women IPS officers.

The decision comes in the wake of recent revelations about systemic abuse within the industry, which have been making headlines. The issue gained significant attention after the Hema Committee, which was set up by the Kerala government in 2017, submitted its report after an extensive investigation.

The 290-page report, authored by retired Justice K. Hema, exposed widespread harassment and a "criminal nexus" in the Malayalam film industry. The findings have led to public outcry and demands for accountability.

In the aftermath of the report's release, prominent figures like director Ranjith Balakrishnan and actor Siddique resigned from their positions at the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), respectively. Ranjith, a well-known filmmaker and chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, stepped down after being accused of inappropriate behavior by a Bengali actress, although he has denied the allegations, claiming he is the "real victim."

The Hema Committee's findings have highlighted numerous cases of harassment and exploitation, intensifying calls for strict action against those responsible and pushing the state government to take immediate steps to ensure justice for the victims.