Kerala woman accuses government of neglect, drops abuse cases against actors

An actress in Kerala, who had accused prominent actors, including CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh and Jayasurya, of sexual abuse announced on Friday her decision to withdraw her complaints. She attributed the decision to the “lack of support and protection” from the Kerala government and her “mental exhaustion”.
“I would like to tell everyone that due to the government’s carelessness and lack of protection for a woman who has come forward like this, I have suffered more than I can handle. I am mentally exhausted,” she stated.
The actress also claimed she was falsely implicated in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a relative accused her of exploiting her and taking her to places under the pretence of offering acting opportunities.
“I am innocent. I want justice. I want the POCSO case against me to be probed thoroughly and quickly. If I commit suicide, the government will be responsible for it,” she asserted.
She alleged that the cases were filed against her after she complained against veteran actors such as Maniyanpilla Raju and Idavela Babu. She accused the government of inaction and failure to protect her after she filed the complaints in connection with the Justice Hema Committee report. The first-of-its kind report documented harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.
The Justice Hema Committee, formed in 2017 after a high-profile actress assault case, exposed widespread misconduct in the industry. The Kerala High Court later directed the report be handed over to a special investigation team (SIT), leading to 26 FIRs.
Despite this, the actress said, “I do not want to pursue the cases. It is not because I have compromised with anyone.”
She further stated that she would inform the investigating officer of her final decision in writing within two days.