A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against CPI(M) MLA and Malayalam actor Mukesh, as well as actor Jayasurya, following serious allegations of sexual and verbal abuse by Malayalam actress Minu Muneer. Muneer’s complaint includes accusations against seven individuals, among them Mukesh, Jayasurya, and actor Edavela Babu, leading to a formal case being registered by the Kerala Police.
The FIR against Jayasurya is specifically registered under Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses intent to outrage modesty. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been actively involved, recording Muneer’s statements until late into the night. Muneer filed her complaint on Tuesday, a day after making the allegations public through a Facebook post, where she accused the individuals of both verbal and physical abuse. Her accusations have led her to leave the Malayalam film industry, citing the traumatic experiences she endured.
Mukesh has responded to the allegations by calling for a “fair and transparent inquiry” to uncover the truth. He has also alleged that Muneer had previously sought financial assistance from him and subsequently attempted to blackmail him. “In response to the allegations raised against me and other film industry colleagues, I welcome the ongoing investigations. A fair and transparent inquiry is crucial to uncover the truth behind the accusations being discussed in the public domain,” Mukesh stated.
The allegations come in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed numerous instances of exploitation and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. The report has intensified political and public pressure on Mukesh, with both Congress and BJP demanding his resignation as an MLA. On Wednesday, BJP workers staged protests outside Mukesh’s residence in Kollam, calling for his immediate resignation. Both political parties have also opposed Mukesh’s participation in the cinema policymaking committee and a government-organized conclave addressing issues faced by women in the film industry, threatening to block the event if he does not step down.
In response to the committee’s findings, the entire body of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), led by actor Mohanlal, resigned on Tuesday. Mohanlal, along with other members, cited moral responsibility as the reason for their departure following the release of the Hema Committee report.
