Thiruvananthapuram: The police are preparing to close the rape cases filed against actors Jayasurya and Balachandra Menon, citing lack of evidence. These cases, based on allegations detailed in the Hema Committee report, have been under investigation for several months. However, the probe has now reached a point where legal proceedings are likely to be dropped.

According to the investigation team, there is insufficient material to proceed against either actor. The complainant, an actress, had alleged that she was molested by both men during the filming of a movie in Thiruvananthapuram in 2008. She was one of several women who came forward with complaints against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, including Maniyanpilla Raju and Mukesh.

The allegation against Jayasurya was that he attempted to molest the actress in a toilet inside the Secretariat complex during the film’s shooting. However, police inquiries revealed no supporting evidence. Secretariat records confirm that filming permission had been granted only for specific areas within the complex. Moreover, the location mentioned by the complainant--the toilet in question--has since been converted into an office, making it unrecognisable. The complainant was unable to clearly identify the location, and no other witnesses came forward.

The allegation against Balachandra Menon involved an incident at a hotel where he was reportedly staying during the same film shoot. While investigators confirmed his presence at the hotel, there was no evidence to show that the actress had visited the location on the date she mentioned or in the immediate days following. Her mobile tower location data did not substantiate her claim.

Additionally, a junior artist named as a supporting witness by the complainant gave a statement to police saying she had not seen or experienced anything related to the alleged incidents. This further weakened the case.

Earlier, police had signalled an intention to drop several cases arising from the Hema Committee report, as complainants were reportedly unwilling to provide new information beyond what was originally submitted. The cases against Jayasurya and Balachandra Menon, due to the stature of those involved, had drawn public attention.

With lack of corroborative evidence and no clear witness testimony, the police are now leaning towards formally closing the cases. An official decision is expected to be made in the coming days.