Following the release of the Hema Committee report, actor Shine Tom Chacko has commented on the findings. He expressed that if a woman accuses a person of harassment, and that person is either a friend or a colleague, he would stand by both individuals. Chacko asserted that no one would be able to catch or harm new female entrants in the industry. He also noted that the issues highlighted in the report are not unique to the local context but are prevalent everywhere, adding that he would support anyone accused of harassment if they are his friend or colleague.

“I have not seen women being harassed. It is only when a woman speaks that we know about harassment. Before such a woman says she is a victim of harassment, there must have been some interaction between the woman and the person. I believe these women should have slapped the men the moment they felt offended,” said the young actor.

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Chacko also discussed the report’s findings on drug use, stating that substances like cigarettes and alcohol are considered drugs under the law.

The Hema Committee report, which contains serious revelations, was delivered to the government on December 31, 2019. Some sections of the 233-page report, including private and identifying information, have been omitted. Specific parts from pages 49 (paragraph 96), pages 81 to 100, and paragraphs from pages 165 to 196 were excluded. Additionally, related reports and testimonies have not been released.

The committee, chaired by retired Justice Hema, was tasked by the government to investigate issues within the Malayalam film industry. The report faced delays due to a legal challenge by actress Ranjini, which was dismissed by the High Court. The report was finally made public on Monday.