Sexual assault allegation at Kerala Secretariat during film shoot: Special probe needed

Thiruvananthapuram: A special investigation will be required following an actress's allegation of sexual assault during the shooting of a film at the high-security Secretariat. Film shooting permissions are granted at the Secretariat, and the authorities are treating the incident with utmost seriousness.

The other day, the actress revealed to the media that an young actor had forcefully kissed her in the corridor during the filming years ago. Even if the complaint of the actress is not received, the police have to investigate the same. The Secretariat and its premises come under the Cantonment Police Station.

Strict restrictions have been imposed even on journalists in the Secretariat. This restriction started during the first Pinarayi Government. Although the control was not so tight when the incident took place, the abuse of the government system is serious.

It is observed that the complaint could damage the government's reputation, as the alleged sexual assault reportedly occurred within a heavily secured area.

Henceforth stricter norms will have to be imposed in letting the Secretariat and premises for film and serial related purposes. Filming is usually done on the Secretariat premises and corridors.