The sweeping investigation into the complaints of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Malayalam film industry gathered significant momentum on Wednesday.
The special investigation team (SIT) probing the accusations recorded the statement of the woman artist who had publicly accused veteran actor and former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Siddique, of raping her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The alleged incident occurred under the guise of an audition for a movie project. This development marks an important milestone as the probe intensifies to uncover the extent of sexual abuse within the industry.
In a parallel development, the SIT has turned its attention to Kochi. Here, the investigators called on another woman actor who had openly accused four actors and two production controllers of sexually abusing her. Additionally, she had alleged that a politically connected lawyer had attempted to traffic her to a film producer for sexual purposes. This widening net signifies the investigation’s broad scope as it attempts to address numerous allegations from diverse quarters.
Officials noted that the SIT’s strategy involves strengthening the testimonial evidence provided by the survivors. The team plans to persuade these survivors to testify privately in a magistrate court. However, they acknowledged that testimonial evidence alone might not suffice to meet the high standard of proof required for conviction in cases reported belatedly.
Therefore, to build a robust case, the SIT plans to delve into various other sources of evidence. These include examining the schedules of past film productions, film set stills, statements from co-actors and technical staff, and even recollections of costumes. By methodically validating the testimonies of the survivors, the SIT aims to reconstruct the timeline and sequence of events that led to the alleged offenses.
Moreover, the statements of chauffeurs and personal staff of the accused, many of whom are prominent actors, could prove vital. Such individuals often have detailed knowledge of the actors’ schedules, including shooting dates planned well in advance. Their testimonies, alongside documentation from production companies and their auditors regarding schedules, payments, and financial transactions (such as hotel and vehicle rentals), could offer critical corroborative evidence.
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The SIT may gather these statements as sworn affidavits to leverage their prosecutorial advantage. Furthermore, they will question co-actors who worked with the accused on film sets pertinent to the alleged crimes. A senior investigator emphasized that such supplementary statements could strengthen the survivors’ testimonies and enable the prosecution to build an airtight case against the suspects. He underscored the importance of finding well-validated evidence to bolster the credibility of the survivors’ accounts as a primary objective of the SIT.
The investigation has thus far adopted a victim-centric approach. Law enforcement agencies appear acutely aware that the survivors have faced significant personal and professional challenges. Many have risked social ostracization and endured vicious cyberattacks to come forward, often after many years. This high-profile and politically sensitive investigation has captured public attention and dominated the news cycle for days in the State.
The allegations have shaken the Malayalam film industry, prompting discussions about power dynamics and the vulnerability of newcomers in the industry. Public responses have ranged from support for the survivors to disbelief and defense of the accused, reflecting a broader debate about accountability and justice.
However, industry insiders and social activists argue that this investigation could mark a pivotal moment for the Malayalam film industry. If the SIT can construct a robust case, it may not only lead to justice for the survivors but also pave the way for systemic changes to protect artists in the future.
The film industry, which has long been an integral part of Kerala’s cultural landscape, now stands at a crossroads. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how these proceedings will reshape the industry’s internal dynamics and impact its public image.
The SIT’s intensified actions signal their commitment to a thorough and comprehensive probe. With each new testimony and piece of evidence, the team moves closer to unraveling the truth behind these grave allegations.
