Thiruvananthapuram: A month after the revealing Hema Committee report was released, which implicated over a dozen personalities in the Malayalam film industry, a two-member team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is set to arrive in Kerala on Thursday. The team aims to gather statements from victims related to the report.
The NCW committee will hold sessions in Kerala, welcoming input from anyone connected to the film industry. Following the report's publication and the filing of multiple FIRs based on complaints of sexual harassment, the NCW requested a copy of the report but has not yet received it.
Also Read
After the report was made public on August 19, the NCW issued a statement highlighting "concerning findings" regarding workplace harassment, gender discrimination, and other forms of exploitation affecting women in the Malayalam film industry.
"In response to these concerns, the NCW has taken steps to seek the complete Hema Committee Report, as it appears that only parts of it are currently available in the public domain. The Commission is committed to furthering its efforts in addressing these matters with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the rights of women are upheld and that a safe, equitable working environment is fostered within the industry," read its statement.
The Hema Committee's report is based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals and exposes disturbing issues, including the presence of the casting couch and unsafe working conditions.
The NCW’s visit comes amid the arrests and subsequent releases on bail of prominent figures, including actor Mukesh, former Association of Malayalam Movie Artists general secretary Edavela Babu, and director V. K. Prakash. Meanwhile, actor Siddique, whose bail request was denied by the Kerala High Court, is currently on the run and has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, which is expected to be heard on Thursday.
Attention is now focused on the NCW sessions, as it remains uncertain whether any victims will come forward to speak with the panel. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Kerala Police, under the supervision of a two-member High Court bench, has commenced its investigation and is required to submit its Action Taken Report by October 3.
Agency
Published: 26 Sept 2024, 12:50 pm IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.