'I would like to trust what CM Vijayan has said,' Kerala Governor on Hema Committee report

Kerala: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed confidence in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s assurance that legal action will be taken if victims of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry come forward.

The Governor made these comments in response to questions about the Hema Committee report, which uncovered incidents of sexual abuse in the industry. The Opposition has called for a thorough investigation into these allegations.

"I think the chief minister on record said that if they come with specific complaints, the process will be set in motion. He has already said it. I am not saying anything because I do not deal with the subject," Khan said.

"But I would like to trust what the chief minister has said, that if the victims come forward and they file a complaint against those perpetrators, then the process of law will be set in motion," he added.

In response, the Kerala government has announced the formation of a special investigation team, headed by a senior police officer, to look into these claims.

"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," said an official release from the Chief Minister's Office.

"It was decided to form a special investigation team, led by IGP G Sparjan Kumar, to look into these complaints and revelations.”

After the Hema Committee Report was made public last week, exposing numerous cases of sexual abuse in the film industry, several women have come forward with their own stories of harassment. According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the investigation team will feature senior female police officers and will be overseen by Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh.

Last week, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report was released. It detailed numerous cases of sexual harassment faced by female actors in the Malayalam film industry.

Chief Minister Vijayan stated earlier this week that if any individuals who testified before the Hema Committee bring forward formal complaints, the government will ensure proper action is taken.

"No matter how high-ranking, everyone will be held accountable before the law," he said.

On Saturday, V. D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, demanded an investigation into the serious allegations presented in the report.

Speaking to ANI, LoP VD Satheesan, said, "The government knows the fact that a series of offenses have been committed. Despite knowing all this, the government is not taking any action. They are not ready to make an investigation team. We demand the government to constitute an investigation team."

The 235-page report, which protects the identities of witnesses and accused individuals, reveals that about 10 to 15 male figures—producers, directors, and actors—hold significant control over the Malayalam film industry. The report describes various forms of harassment, exploitation, and poor working conditions faced by women in the industry.

Agencies