'There is a crisis in Malayalam industry,' Director Joshy Joseph on recent sexual abuse allegations

Ernakulam: Malayalam film director Joshy Joseph has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding sexual harassment claims made by several actresses against key figures in the industry.

Joshy Joseph stated, "A Special Investigation Team (SIT) visited my house, and we spoke for three hours. I provided a detailed account of events from the beginning, as required under Section 161 of the IPC. I will also give another statement under Section 164 in front of the magistrate, which I intend to do. We are bringing Sreelekha Mitra on September 10. There is indeed a crisis in the Malayalam industry today, and we are being accused, rightly so."

On Monday, Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra lodged a complaint with the Kochi City Police against film director Ranjith. This came just a day after Ranjith stepped down as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy.

Mitra's complaint follows her public allegations of sexual misconduct against Ranjith. In an email to the Kochi City Police Commissioner, Mitra recounted an incident from 2009. She was in Kochi to discuss a role in the film Palerimanikkam, directed by Ranjith. Mitra alleged that during their meeting, Ranjith "clutched" her hand and made unwanted sexual advances.

"I was invited to act in the film 'Palerimanikkam' directed by Ranjith. As part of the discussion, I was called to the flat where Ranjith was staying at Kaloor Kadavanthra, Kochi. During the discussion, he clutched my hand and later attempted to touch other parts of my body with sexual intent. Realising that his intentions were not related to the film discussion but were of a sexual nature, I had to escape from the flat and return to the hotel where I was staying. I shared my bitter experience the next day with scriptwriter Joshy Joseph. As I was not provided with a return ticket, I was compelled to seek the help of Joshy Joseph," the actress wrote in her complaint.

Mitra explained that she did not initially pursue legal action due to her unfamiliarity with the local legal system, as she was from Kolkata. However, she has now chosen to come forward and has requested the Kochi Police to consider her email as a formal complaint and take appropriate legal measures against Ranjith. "As someone from Kolkata, West Bengal, I was unable to pursue this matter further to prosecute Ranjith for offences under Sections 354 and 354B of the Indian Penal Code at the time of the incident."

"Certain comments from public functionaries were brought to my notice, indicating that a written complaint is necessary to register a crime. Although a written complaint is not a prerequisite, as I am told following the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, I am lodging this complaint by email, addressed to you, as the offence was committed within your territorial limits at DD Flats, Kadavanthra, Kochi. Please treat this as a formal complaint and initiate the necessary legal proceedings as insisted upon by state officials," she added.

Earlier this month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was released. The report, which details harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, reveals disturbing accounts of mistreatment. The 235-page report, compiled by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge, highlights the dominance of about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors over the industry. The report was submitted to the Kerala government in December 2019 and was made public this month.

In response to the allegations, the Kerala government announced on Sunday that it will establish a special investigation team, led by a senior police officer, to probe claims of sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry.

"In light of recent interviews and statements from several women in the Malayalam film industry detailing the hardships they have faced, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting with senior police officials here on Sunday," stated an official release from the Chief Minister's Office.

Agencies