Kochi: A government constituted panel on Monday suggested Kerala government to take steps to discipline the Malayalam film industry plagued by Mafia, sexual abuse, extortion, use of drug and alcohol among others, media reports said.
The Justice Hema panel report said that social evils like casting couch, mafia rule, group of producers, directors, actors, production controllers exploiting women artists, the reports said.
Those women who succumb to the pressure of sexual abuse are labeled as ‘cooperating artists’. Those who resist are banned in a coordinated move.
Many women bring their parents or close relatives due to fear of sexual harassment.
Female actors staying alone in hotel are terrorised by predators by banging at their doors.
Despite the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the film industry, women are often reluctant to report these crimes to the police fearing retribution, cyberattacks among others.
The 233 page report was released after a five-year-long wait. The Committee headed by High Court judge Justice K Hema has actor Sharada and retired IAS officer K B Valsala Kumari as members.
The Committee was formed after the actress assault case on February 17, 2017. Actor Dileep, who is the eighth accused, was arrested and jailed for about three months before securing a bail. There are 10 accused in the case.
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