Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A woman who has accused veteran filmmaker PT Kunju Muhammed of sexual misconduct has alleged that she is facing intense pressure from various quarters to withdraw her complaint and “protect” the accused.

The survivor claimed that intermediaries approached her repeatedly, urging her to reconsider pursuing the case by citing Kunhummuhammed’s advanced age and health condition as reasons for showing leniency.

According to her complaint, the alleged incident took place during the film selection process at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). She alleged that Kunju Muhammed behaved inappropriately and offensively, forcing her to approach the authorities.

However, she said that instead of receiving support after coming forward, she has been subjected to emotional pressure and intimidation aimed at silencing her.

“I am being told repeatedly to let this go. The pressure has become unbearable,” the survivor said, adding that she feels isolated and unsupported despite raising a serious allegation.

She further alleged that several individuals attempted to intervene on behalf of the accused, requesting her to withdraw the complaint on humanitarian grounds.

According to the survivor, the system appeared to side with the accused from the outset. She alleged that the police delayed registering a case despite her repeated approaches.

“Even after I approached the authorities, no action was taken for several days. It was only after the issue became public through media reports that the police finally registered an FIR,” she said.

She also alleged that even after the FIR was registered, authorities allowed sufficient time for the accused to seek anticipatory bail, reflecting a lack of urgency and seriousness in handling the case.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has criticised the manner in which the case has been handled. In a statement, the organisation pointed out that despite the survivor approaching the Chief Minister’s Office, there was no direct response or intervention. The WCC also questioned the nearly eight-day delay in registering the FIR, even after the survivor’s statement was recorded by the police.