AMMA row: Reinstated employee files workplace harassment complaint against 3 executive members

Kochi: An office employee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has filed a fresh workplace harassment complaint against actors and executive committee members Neena Kurup, Cuckoo Parameswaran and Unni Sivapal.

Athulya Prakashan submitted the complaint, along with phone conversations and audio recordings, to the Kochi police commissioner and the labour officer.

Speaking to reporters, Athulya alleged that Neena Kurup repeatedly contacted her after she was allegedly removed from her job.

“She used to call me ‘mole’ (daughter). She told me, I should get into your next job in response to this agony. Many members whom I did not know called me after they were given my number by her. They collected my biodata. Seeing their urgency, I felt something was unusual,” Athulya said.

She also alleged that the three accused acted together.

“I came to know that she had told several members that Cuckoo and Unni were like our children. They are calling to know what my next move is. I know that Neena Kurup, Kuku and Unni are one group,” she said.

Audio message alleges attempt to frame employee

An audio message alleging an attempt to trap Athulya has also surfaced.

The audio clip, allegedly sent by a security staff member, claimed he had been asked to make allegations against Athulya. According to the recording, there was an attempt to create a story portraying that Athulya had “honey-trapped” him.

Athulya alleged that Cuckoo Parameswaran tried to fabricate a story to protect Unni Sivapal and remove her from the organisation.

She claimed the security employee was also drawn into the alleged plan to create defamatory allegations that were intended to be placed before the executive committee. However, Athulya said the plan failed after the security staff member stated that he was unaware of such a story.

AMMA had withdrawn dismissal decision

Athulya further said that although she was reinstated, AMMA president Shwetha Menon instructed her to work from home instead of attending the office physically.

AMMA’s executive committee had earlier examined Athulya’s initial complaint. Following the review, the decision to dismiss her was withdrawn.

Athulya had also written to the Kochi city police commissioner seeking police protection. In the complaint, she alleged intimidation, hostile treatment, humiliation and verbal harassment by the certain office-bearers when she was removed from the organisation.