Protests raged in Kerala on Friday as outrage grew over shocking accounts from several female actors in the Malayalam film industry about sexual abuse, with the Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accusing the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, including actor-politician Mukesh, who stands accused of rape.Mahila Congress activists in Kochi and Kollam took to the streets, demanding the resignation of CPI(M) MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation into the shocking allegations of sexual misconduct made by female actors in the Malayalam film industry to the Justice Hema Committee.
In Kochi, demonstrators vented their anger by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique, and Ranjith — all accused of sexual assault — with brooms.
He noted that even after survivors spoke out courageously to the Justice Hema Committee, the lack of legal action from the government and police would lead to despair.
“What is happening is a gross violation of the justice system,” Satheesan alleged.
Attacking the chief minister, he said after the Hema Committee report came out, Vijayan stopped holding press conferences.
“He is not even visible now. Even if he holds a press conference, he will only answer questions that he likes,” the Congress leader said.
He said that the opposition demands the resignation of accused MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation, as recommended by the Hema Committee report.
“The decision on resignation should be taken by Mukesh and the CPI(M). If Mukesh is not willing to resign, the CPI(M) should take the decision. Despite pressure from allies and leaders, the chief minister and party leadership are not budging. By taking a stand to protect the accused, the CPI(M) is becoming a laughing stock in front of the people,” he said.