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The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by a wave of sexual assault allegations, leading to the arrest of prominent actor and former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), Edavela Babu. Babu's arrest follows a complaint filed by a woman actor alleging that he raped her at his residence in Kaloor. The incident allegedly occurred when she visited Babu's home to fill out a form for AMMA membership.
This arrest is a significant development in the ongoing #MeToo movement within the Malayalam film industry. Several other prominent figures, including actors Jayasurya, Siddique, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, and director Ranjith, have been accused of sexual assault and harassment. The #MeToo movement gained momentum following the public release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed the rampant exploitation and harassment faced by women in the industry.
The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government in 2017 to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry. Their report, which was submitted in 2019 but not made public until recently due to legal challenges, revealed a disturbing picture of the industry's power dynamics. The report found that the industry is controlled by a small group of 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors, who wield considerable influence and create an environment ripe for abuse.
The public outcry following the release of the report has led to widespread calls for accountability and reform within the Malayalam film industry. The top panel of AMMA, headed by Mohanlal, has dissolved itself, taking moral responsibility for the allegations. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the various allegations, with Babu's arrest being the first significant action taken by the team.
Source: Malayalam Actor Edavela Babu Arrested In Rape Case By #MeToo Probe Team