Second FIR Against Actor Jayasurya Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations in Malayalam Film Industry

GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 30th August. Another FIR has been registered against actor Jayasurya following a complaint by an actress. Kerala Police informed ANI that the FIR was filed under sections 354, 354A(A1)(I), and 354D of the IPC after recording the complainant’s statement. The case, initially registered in Thiruvananthapuram, will be transferred to Thodupuzha Police Station.

The incident is part of a growing list of allegations emerging from the Malayalam film industry. After the release of the Hema Committee report, which highlighted issues of sexual harassment, several women have come forward with their experiences. On Thursday, actress Sonia Malhar shared her story, recounting incidents of mistreatment and exploitation during her early career. She described an unsettling experience on a film set in Thodupuzha, where she was subjected to inappropriate behavior by an individual who later apologized. Malhar detailed the challenges she faced in the industry, including delayed payments and being replaced in films after her allegations became known.

Sonia Malhar’s decision to speak out was further motivated by learning of similar experiences faced by other actresses from outside Kerala. She expressed her disappointment with the lack of support following the Hema Committee report, noting that the silence from many in the industry hurt her deeply.

This is not the first FIR related to such allegations in recent days. On August 28, an FIR was registered against actor and CPI (M) MLA from Kollam, Mukesh M, following a complaint by actress Minu Muneer. Kerala Police confirmed that this FIR, like the one against Jayasurya, was registered under section 354, dealing with intent to outrage modesty.

Minu Muneer has accused multiple actors, including Mukesh M, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, of verbal and physical abuse during their collaborations. In her statement to ANI, she detailed instances of misconduct, including being forcefully hugged and kissed by Jayasurya and being propositioned by Idavela Babu.

These allegations surfaced shortly after the resignation of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their positions in the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following separate accusations against them. Muneer initially shared her allegations on Facebook, citing incidents dating back to 2013 and stating that the abuse led her to leave the Malayalam film industry and relocate to Chennai.