MALAPPURAM : Lashing out at the LDF government, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said that it is up to the government and MLA Mukesh, who is facing sexual harassment charges, to decide whether he should resign or not. While talking to reporters in Malappuram on Wednesday, Satheesan raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of the Hema Committee report. Satheesan accused the government of playing ‘hide and seek’ to protect certain individuals implicated in the report.
Satheesan said that the government’s reluctance to take action based on the report has led to a situation wherein the entire film industry is being tarnished, and even innocent people are being unfairly stigmatised. While the report highlights the prevalence of extreme atrocities, including sexual violence and drug abuse within the industry, the government’s inaction has created a culture of impunity.
The leader of Opposition posed five critical questions to the government, including why has there been no inquiry into the Hema Committee report, which documents a series of crimes in the film industry.
“Why has the government not taken action against those accused of concealing sexual violence, as required under Indian law? Why did the government redact significant portions of the Hema Committee report before releasing it under RTI Act?,” he asked.
Satheesan questioned the motives behind the extensive redaction, which were reportedly more than what was suggested by the State Information Commission, implying that it was done to shield certain individuals.
He called out the government for its lack of concrete measures to address issues of sexual violence, drug abuse, and the resulting terror highlighted in the report.
Satheesan also accused the government of failing to protect the rights and dignity of women, particularly those in film industry. He claimed that the government’s inaction has not only failed the victims but also made it complicit in the crimes. He warned that if these questions are not adequately addressed, the issue will continue to plague the state, and the trust of the people in the government will erode further.
GOVT IGNORED REPORT, SAYS K SURENDRAN
Pathanamthitta: BJP state president K Surendran on Wednesday accused the state government of plotting to disregard the recommendations of the Hema Committee report. Speaking at a press conference in Konni, Surendran highlighted the report’s exposure of disturbing instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. He claimed that the government intends to entirely dismiss the core findings of the committee, accusing it of a deliberate cover-up.
Ex-govt pleader seeks probe into revelations
Kochi: Former Kerala High Court pleader Sareena George has lodged an official complaint with the Kochi city police commissioner, requesting an FIR and investigation into the Hema Committee report’s revelations. Sareena, who is also a member of the Indian Lawyers’ Congress, has called for a thorough inquiry under relevant laws, citing potential offenses under the Bharathiya Nyay Sanhitha, Sexual Harassment Act, NDPS Act, and the Information Technology Act.