Hema Committee Report: Union Minister Suresh Gopi Slams Media, Says 'Don't Mislead Public'

Suresh Gopi, who is also as an actor, dismissed the allegations within Malayalam film industry as "food" for media and suggested that they are being used for profit rather than for seeking justice.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi has launched a scathing critique of the media accusing it of distorting public perception regarding recent sexual harassment allegations within the Malayalam film industry. Gopi, who is also an actor, dismissed the allegations as "food" for media exploitation, suggesting that they are being used for profit rather than for seeking justice.

His comments come in the wake of the Justice Hema Committee's report, commissioned by the Kerala government following the 2017 actress assault case. The report has unveiled disturbing instances of harassment and exploitation faced by women in the industry, intensifying calls for accountability.

Gopi, the Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Tourism, argued that the media should refrain from damaging the cinema industry through sensationalism. "This is all food for you is what I understand," he said, as reported by PTI. "You can use it to make money. (There is) no problem with that. But these issues are before the court, and it has the intelligence and logic to arrive at a decision regarding them."

His remarks were made in response to growing scrutiny over allegations against various actors and directors, including CPI(M) MLA M Mukesh. The controversy has also sparked a protest organized by the Yuva Morcha, which marched towards Mukesh’s residence in Kollam.

"You (media) are not only making people fight each other for your own gains, you are also misleading public perception. The complaints are in the form of allegations at the moment. What are you telling people? Are you the court? You are not. The court will decide. Let the court decide," Gopi said, as per the report.

Hema Committee Report: Kerala BJP President Demands MLA's Resignation

Kerala BJP President K Surendran has demanded Mukesh's resignation criticising Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not taking action. Surendran pointed out that while actor Ranjith resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) due to similar allegations, Mukesh remains in his position despite the charges against him. "The state government is supporting those close to the CPI(M) and the government," Surendran claimed to ANI. "The CM should demand Mukesh’s resignation."

In response to the allegations detailed in the Hema Committee report, the Kerala government has announced the formation of a seven-member special investigation team to probe the accusations. As the investigation unfolds, additional complaints against various industry figures continue to surface, putting the spotlight on systemic issues within Malayalam cinema.