It looks like more celebrity names of the Malayalam film industry are being dragged through the mud after the release of the Hema Committee report. Inspired by the release, several actresses and young artists have come forward and accused well-known actors and technicians of sexual harassment and coercion and sex on the casting couch. Actors like Mukesh, Siddique, Idavela Babu, Riyaz Khan and directors like Ranjith and Liju Krishna are just a few who have been accused of the same. Now, Jayasurya joins this not so prestigious list. Malayalam cinema ‘sexual harassment’ controversy: Kerala government forms special investigation team to probe allegations of sexual abuse in film industry.

Malayalam actress Minu Muneer has accused Jayasurya, along with actors like Maniyanpilla Raju, Mukesh and Idavela Babu, of “physical and verbal abuse” on Facebook. She attached pictures of her alleged tormentors to her post and claimed that the said series of incidents took place in 2013 during a “project”.

Actress’ Facebook post accuses Jayasurya, Mukesh and others

Her FB post reads as follows: “I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse that I have suffered in the Malayalam film industry at the hands of 1. Mukesh, 2. Maniyan Pilla Raju, 3. Idavela Babu, 4. Jayasoorya, 5. Adv Chandrasekaran, 6. Production Manager Noble and Vichu. In 2013, I was physically and verbally abused by these individuals while working on a project. I tried to cooperate and continue working but the abuse became unbearable. As a result, I was forced to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai. I had spoken out against the abuse in an article published in Kerala Kaumudi titled ‘…left the Malayalam industry because I could not cooperate in adaptation’. I am now seeking justice and accountability for the trauma and suffering that I have endured. I ask for your support to take action against their heinous acts. Thank you for your attention to this matter.” (sic)

For your information, here is the screenshot of Minu Muneer’s FB post

Minu Muneer FB post

Interestingly, her Facebook cover photo is a collage of her pictures with actors during the shoot, and this includes hers with those against whom she has made allegations like Jayasurya and Mukesh. Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar says ‘I cannot comment’ on alleged sexual misconduct in Malayalam film industry.

Minu Muneer’s FB cover photo

At the time of writing, Jayasurya has not responded to these allegations. We will keep you updated once there is a statement from the actor or the other co-accused.

Helpline numbers for women and children:

Childline India – 1098; Women Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Against Violence Helpline – 7827170170; Women Police/Senior Citizens Helpline – 1091/1291; Missing Children and Women – 1094.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on August 26, 2024 10:37 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com.)