Malayalam music composer Sushin Shyam has shared an Instagram post by The News Minute (TNM) about the sexual misconduct allegations against actor Balu Varghese, bringing the case into focus among social media users.

The post shared by Sushin carries the headline, “Woman sends legal notice to actor Balu Varghese over alleged sexual misbehaviour.” His decision to share the post has drawn attention online, with the move being seen by some as a gesture of solidarity with the complainant and a way of amplifying her account.

Sushin did not add a separate statement to the post. However, his decision to share the news has prompted discussions among netizens, particularly in the context of conversations around women’s safety and accountability in the Malayalam film industry.

What is the Balu Varghese case?

According to TNM, a woman has sent a legal notice to Balu Varghese seeking a written undertaking and an apology over alleged unwanted physical contact at a private gathering.

The complainant told TNM that the incident took place underwater while a group of friends was playing a game in a swimming pool. She alleged that the actor grabbed her forcefully and maintained that the contact was intentional. According to her account, Balu apologised when confronted but insisted that the incident was accidental.

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TNM reported that it had seen screenshots and voice notes exchanged between the complainant and the actor. In one voice note, Balu reportedly said that he had grabbed her body accidentally.

The complainant also alleged that members of Balu’s family attempted to mediate after the incident was raised with him. She further told TNM that conversations with other women in their social circle led her to learn about similar experiences involving the actor.

TNM spoke to three other women who alleged that they had experienced inappropriate behaviour from Balu at social gatherings. Their accounts included allegations of unwanted physical contact and behaviour that made them uncomfortable.

The complainant has sought a written undertaking and an apology from the actor through the legal notice. She has also warned that attempts to threaten her or other women who have spoken about their experiences could invite civil and criminal liability.

According to TNM, the complainant had not received a response to the legal notice at the time of its report. The publication also said it had reached out to Balu Varghese for comment but had not received a response.

Who is Sushin Shyam?

Sushin Shyam is a prominent music composer in Malayalam cinema, known for soundtracks in films such as ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, ‘Romancham’, ‘Manjummel Boys’ and ‘Aavesham’.

His Instagram post sharing TNM’s coverage has brought fresh attention to the allegations and the complainant’s legal action. While the post has been discussed by netizens as a show of solidarity, Sushin has not made a separate public statement explaining his reasons for sharing it.

The allegations against Balu Varghese remain allegations, and the actor's response to the legal notice was not available in TNM's report.