Actor Nivin Pauly and five others have been charged by Kerala Police for rape and related crimes. The survivor’s statement was recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), investigating sexual harassment allegations in the Malayalam film industry. The case was registered at Oonnukal police station based on the survivor’s statement to the SIT. The charges were filed under IPC Sections 354, 376D, 354C, 450, 342, 376(2)(n), 506, and 34. Pauly was named as the sixth accused, along with Shreya, film producer AK Sunil, Binu, Basheer, and Kuttan as the first five accused. The complainant alleged that the accused promised her a role in a film, with the offense allegedly taking place last year.
Pauly has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, and stated on his Instagram account, “I have come across a false news report accusing me of abusing a girl. Please know that this is entirely untrue. I’m determined to go to any extent to prove these allegations baseless and will take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to light. Thank you for your concern. The rest will be handled legally.” The case against Pauly is the latest in a series of cases against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Hema Committee report. Filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya, and Siddique have also faced various sexual harassment complaints.
Last month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on the harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public, revealing shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment of women professionals. The 235-page report notes that the industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and exert control over the industry. The survivor’s statement to the SIT led to the registration of the case against Pauly and the others, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address sexual harassment and abuse in the industry.
The First Information Report filed against the accused includes serious charges such as gang rape, voyeurism, trespass, wrongful confinement, repeated rape, criminal intimidation, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. Pauly’s denial of the allegations underscores the complexity of the case and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the truth. The involvement of influential figures in the industry in such criminal activities further exposes the power dynamics and exploitation prevalent in the Malayalam film industry.
The allegations against Pauly and the others point to a larger issue of systemic abuse and harassment faced by women in the industry, as highlighted in the Hema Committee report. The report’s findings shed light on the pervasive culture of exploitation and mistreatment that has long existed in the Malayalam film industry. The charges against Pauly and his co-accused add to the growing list of cases filed against prominent figures, revealing a pattern of abuse and misconduct that has been swept under the rug for far too long.
As the case progresses, it is essential to ensure a fair and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and deliver justice to the survivor. The charges against Pauly and the others serve as a wake-up call for the industry to address the deep-rooted issues of harassment, abuse, and exploitation that have plagued the Malayalam film industry for years. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and creating a safe environment for all professionals, steps can be taken towards creating a more inclusive and respectful industry that prioritizes the well-being and safety of its members.
