Malayalam actor Edavela Babu arrested in sexual assault case
What's the story
Malayalam actor Edavela Babu was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following a complaint filed by actor Minu Muneer.
Muneer accused Babu, a former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), and several other industry figures of physical and verbal abuse.
Despite the severity of the charges, Babu is set to be released on bail after formal procedures, as he had been granted anticipatory bail by the Ernakulam principal sessions court prior to his arrest.
Allegations revealed
Actor Muneer shed light on industry abuse
Muneer's complaint has brought attention to the alleged abuse within the Malayalam film industry.
In a detailed statement on Facebook, Muneer claimed she was subjected to physical and verbal abuse by a group of seven men, including Babu.
Other individuals named in her complaint include actor-politician Mukesh, popular Malayalam actor Jayasurya, Maniyan Pilla Raju, advocate Chandrasekaran, production controller Noble, and an individual identified as Vichu.
Harassment fallout
Muneer's ordeal led to career change
Muneer stated that the abuse took place in 2013 during a film project.
The harassment, she said, became unbearable over time, forcing her to leave the industry and move to Chennai.
Despite attempts to continue working and cooperate with those involved, Muneer claimed the abuse escalated to a point where she could no longer endure it.
Investigation progress
Hema Committee report sparked wave of accusations
Babu's arrest followed the SIT's interrogation of the accused, which was initiated after the public release of the Hema Committee report on August 19.
This report exposed widespread sexual harassment, casting couch practices, and other unethical behaviors within the Malayalam film industry.
The revelations have led to a surge in accusations as many women have come forward with their stories of abuse and exploitation.
The SIT is actively investigating these complaints and has already recorded several statements from those accused.
Power dynamics
Hema Committee report highlighted industry control
The Hema report noted that Mollywood is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and exert control over the industry.
The report was produced by a three-member panel led by a former Kerala High Court judge and submitted to the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government in December 2019.
It was only released last month after redacting the names of witnesses and the accused.