Hema Committee Report impact: 150 Kannada film workers write to CM Siddaramaiah seeking action

Following the release of  Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam film industry, the Kannada film industry is now grappling with its own set of sexual harassment allegations.

At least 150 stars, writers, and directors have signed a formal letter asking Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take action on the issue. They are pressuring the government to form a committee, similar to the Hema Committee, to investigate sexual abuse allegations in the industry. They also requested that the committee be led by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge to address the problems faced by women in the Karnataka film industry.

"Sexual abuse is pervalent everywhere. Many of them had tried to open up during #MeToo movement. The government has to take strict actions,” actor Kishore stated.

The recent revelations come after a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was made public. The 235-page document, which omits the names of witnesses and accused individuals, details troubling accounts of harassment, exploitation and mistreatment of women in the Malayalam cinema sector.

The report, submitted in December 2019 after being prepared by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge, highlights the dominance of 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors in controlling the industry.

In response to the report's findings, the Kerala Government has announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations further. The SIT was established on August 25, signaling a commitment to addressing the serious issues brought to light by the report.