CPM Says No Need For Resignation Amid Series Of Allegations Against Mukesh (image-facebook/Mukesh M)
The release of Justice K Hema Committee report concerning sexual harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has opened up many allegations which are increasingly serious.
Actor and Kollam MLA M Mukesh is now facing new set of allegations from junior artist Sandhya. As per her claim, Mukesh misbehaved during his visit to her friend’s house. Sandhya’s friend has also been working as a junior artist in cinema.
Read also: “No Privacy” In Film Academy Internal Complaints Committee, Ex-Staff Alleges
Sandhya alleged that Mukesh’s behaviour was so offensive that her friend’s mother had to kick him out of the house.
“He got the address of my friend, a junior artist, and reached her home. Only my friend’s mother was at home that day. My friend was out and he misbehaved with my friend’s mother,” Sandhya said while narrating her ordeal in the film industry.
Earlier on Monday, another junior artist Minu Muneer spoke to the media, claiming that Mukesh had demanded sexual favours in exchange for membership in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Recounting the incident, Minu said that initially, she sought the help of the late actor Innocent, who directed her to another person for assistance in securing membership in AMMA. She alleged that Mukesh later called her asserting that she would not be able to gain membership without his approval.
Minu Muneer has said that she will be filing a formal complaint on Tuesday.
In response to these allegations, members of the Youth Congress and Mahila Congress had organized protests calling for his resignation as a legislator. However, CPM responding to the demand stated that since there are no legal cases registered against him, he does not have to resign.
The CPM state secretariat said that they have decided to take action as per the High Court’s stance. However, a section of leaders has expressed anger over the party’s decision. Some upheld their view that Mukesh is not a leader who has worked extensively for the party. The matter is expected to be discussed in the CPM district secretariat in Kollam.
Read also: Singer Usha Uthup Reveals She “Faced Skepticism Due To Appearance”
Women actors in Kerala have named at least five more male actors on Monday, as more allegations of past sexual abuse surfaced in the Malayalam movie industry after the release of Justice Hema committee report last week.
On Sunday, the Kerala government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed of top IPS officers to probe the claims against even top actors including Siddique and director Ranjith.
