The local police made the first arrest in connection with the explosive findings of the Hema Committee report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. Director V.K. Prakash was arrested on Thursday but was released on bail shortly after, having secured anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court earlier this month.
The arrest follows a case filed against Prakash on August 29 by a young woman writer, who accused him of sexual harassment under Section 354 (a). Prakash, a double National Film Award winner known for films such as Trivandrum Lodge (2012) and Nirnayakam (2015), had approached the Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail soon after the complaint was lodged.
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The Hema Committee report, released on August 19, has ignited significant unrest within the Malayalam film community, leading several former actresses to share their negative experiences. As a result, police have filed a total of 11 FIRs against various film personalities.
Among those facing scrutiny are actor-turned-CPI(M) legislator Mukesh Madhavan, actors Nivin Pauly and Jayasurya, directors Ranjith and Prakash, and production executives Vichu and Noble. Some of these individuals, including Mukesh, Ranjith, and Maniyanpilla Raju, have reportedly received court relief from arrest.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the Hema Committee findings has indicated that around 20 additional FIRs may be registered. The SIT plans to meet with the victims to ensure they maintain their complaints before proceeding with further legal action.