Rape case filed against MLA, actor Mukesh: Top 10 developments

New Delhi: In a significant development amidst ongoing protests in Bengal over the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital, women actors are now calling for an investigation panel to probe abuse claims in the film industry. This comes as the police in Maradu, Kerala, have registered a rape case against prominent actor and ruling CPIM MLA M Mukesh. The case was filed following allegations by fellow actor Minu Muneer, who also accused actor Jayasurya of sexual harassment. The charges in both cases are non-bailable.

Here are the top 10 developments in this unfolding story:

1. Multiple Cases Filed:
   The cases against Mukesh and Jayasurya are part of nearly two dozen sexual assault allegations filed by the police against senior Malayalam actors. These claims surfaced after the release of a report by a committee investigating sexual abuse within the industry.

2. Mukesh's Denial:
   Mukesh, who was removed from a state government panel responsible for cinema-related policies, has strongly denied Minu Muneer's accusations. In a Facebook post, Mukesh claimed Muneer attempted to blackmail him, approaching him first in 2009 and again in 2022, demanding "at least Rs 1 lakh." He further stated, "But I am not ready to surrender."

3. Additional Accusations:
   Ms. Muneer also accused actors M Maniyanpilla Raju and Edavela Babu of sexual assault. Police have filed rape charges against the two men in separate cases in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam (North). According to Muneer, Babu assaulted her in exchange for membership in AMMA, the Malayalam actors' association. M Raju attributed the allegations to "vested interests."

4. Filmmaker Ranjith Charged:
   Ranjith Balakrishnan, a prominent filmmaker, was the first to be charged in the wave of #MeToo cases in Kerala. He was accused of sexually assaulting Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra at his Kochi residence in 2009 and of abusing a male actor in 2012. Balakrishnan has since resigned as Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.

5. Sreelekha Mitra's Statement:
   In an interview with NDTV, actor Sreelekha Mitra said, "Everyone knows about it (the sexual abuse and exploitation of women). It's not new... in this industry, it is rampant. The problem is it has been normalized."

6. Actor Baburaj Accused:
   Award-winning actor Baburaj is also facing rape charges filed by a junior actor who has chosen to remain anonymous. The actor accused Baburaj of luring her to his home under the pretense of offering a film role before raping her. Baburaj has denied the allegations.

7. Siddique Resigns from AMMA:
   Actor Siddique stepped down as General Secretary of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors) after being accused of raping actor Revathy Sampath in a hotel room in 2016. Siddique has since filed a counter-complaint denying the charges.

8. Mohanlal Resigns as AMMA President:
   Superstar Mohanlal resigned as the President of AMMA, following a series of allegations against the organization's executive committee. Several committee members also resigned, citing "moral responsibility" in light of the claims made against some actors.

9. Sandra Thomas Speaks Out:
   Actor and producer Sandra Thomas revealed to News18 that she had been humiliated in front of the Kerala Film Producers' Association when she advocated for better working conditions for women. "I stood there... facing prying eyes and smirks..." Thomas said, describing her ordeal.

10. Protests in Bengal:
    In a parallel incident in Bengal, violent protests erupted over the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. Women actors from the Women's Forum for Screen Workers have urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to establish a panel to investigate similar claims of abuse in the entertainment industry. Over 100 women are demanding safer working environments and protection against harassment.