“Silence Is A Second Injustice”: Dr Asha Achi Joseph Files Sexual Harassment Complaint Against PT Kunjumuhammed
Filmmaker and academic Dr Asha Achi Joseph has publicly spoken about filing a sexual harassment complaint against director and former MLA P. T. Kunjumuhammed, alleging that she was sexually assaulted while performing her official duties at the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
In a detailed write-up published today in Malayala Manorama, she said the incident did not happen in isolation but inside a government-run cultural institution that claims to uphold progressive values.
She alleged that the accused, who was chairman of the selection committee for the 2025 International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), misused his position of power.
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Asha said she was invited by the Academy to serve on the selection committee for the 30th IFFK under the “Malayalam Cinema Today” section, based on her three decades of experience in cinema and media.
She has directed documentaries and short films, produced television programmes, won central and state awards, received international scholarships, and worked as a film teacher.
She also served in key roles at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), including as head of the selection committee and research fellowship jury member.
In her statement, she said, “Violence is not a misunderstanding. It is a deliberate act by someone who knows the power advantage of their position.”
Dr Asha said she wrote a confidential letter to the Chief Minister on November 24, explaining the incident. Within four days, two women police officers recorded her statement and informed her that an FIR would be filed.
However, she claimed that when the news became public on December 8, no FIR had been registered. During this period, local body elections and the IFFK were conducted.
She questioned whether there was a delay to prevent her voice from being heard.
The Academy, she said, initially expressed solidarity and assured that the accused would be kept away from IFFK activities and that a “zero tolerance” policy would be declared against sexual harassment.
Dr Joseph said she faced pressure to remain silent. Some advised her not to “complicate matters” and suggested reconciliation. She rejected such suggestions, saying that silence felt like a “second violation” of her dignity.
“It is not my responsibility to submit evidence. It is the responsibility of the authorities to prevent such incidents and act according to the law,” she said, referring to workplace sexual harassment laws.
She also questioned why survivors are often asked to stay silent while accused persons remain in positions of power.
Dr Joseph said her decision to speak publicly is not about sympathy but about accountability. She called for strong action from institutions and the state to prevent, prohibit and address sexual harassment at workplaces.
“Protection is not about silencing women. Protection is about keeping perpetrators out of power,” she added.
