Survivors’ reluctance stalls 35 SIT cases based on Hema panel report
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Law enforcement officials here are now finding themselves in a catch-22 situation as they grapple with 35-odd FIRs stemming from findings of the Hema Committee report on sexual abuse and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry, with survivors expressing reluctance in pursuing legal action.
According to sources, the FIRs were filed by a special investigation team set up to address allegations of molestation, attempted rape and rape. However, many of the incidents date back to early 2000s. The passage of time left little circumstantial evidence, limiting the investigation to the survivors’ statements, which are now insufficient for further legal proceedings.
Most survivors have also expressed disinterest in taking the matter forward. This lack of cooperation has left police unsure of how to advance the cases.
While the survivors refrained from naming their alleged assailants, police believe they could identify culprits based on hints provided in the statements made before the committee. As a result, the FIRs have been kept under wraps. This secrecy is intended to protect the identities of the survivors (and also the high-profile culprits) while the investigation is going on.
Amid this turmoil, actor Mala Parvathy, who testified before the committee, has sought the Supreme Court intervention to quash the SIT’s probe, arguing that the investigation is harassing innocent individuals. The outcome of Parvathy’s legal challenge could have significant implications for both the investigation and the broader discourse surrounding accountability in the industry.
Meanwhile, G Poonguzhali, AIG (coastal security), is now the nodal officer and immediate contact person for survivors of cases being probed to seek cover from threats and intimidation related to Hema panel report.
