'Mukesh Must Resign': 100 Women Writers, Activists Issue Statement Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

A group of 100 women writers and activists have released a joint statement demanding the resignation of actor-turned-politician, Mukesh. They have asked him to step down from his MLA post on ‘moral grounds’. Mukesh, who is a member of CPI(M) has been facing backlash ever since he has been accused of sexually assaulting an actress.

Earlier today, an FIR was filed against Mukesh, actor Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu following a complaint by Minu Muneer. The FIR against Jayasurya has reportedly been registered under Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to intent to outrage a woman’s modesty. The accused have also been charged with sexual and verbal assault.

Later, in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Muneer urged the authorities to take action against the accused and demanded Mukesh’s resignation. “I need justice,” she told us and then added, “Women should feel safe. No one should feel unsafe while working.”

Meanwhile, Mukesh has called for a fair investigation. “In response to the allegations raised against me and other film industry colleagues, I welcome the ongoing investigations. A fair and transparent inquiry is crucial to uncover the truth behind the accusations being discussed in the public domain,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, as quoted by India Today.

The cases of sexual assault in the Malayalam film industry are being reported ever since the findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report were made public earlier this month. Several actresses have accused male members of the industry of harassing them.

In the wake of the same, Mohanlal also recently resigned as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists. The actor announced his decision and left everyone shocked. He was the president of the association and had a 17-member executive committee. However, all the members of the executive committee submitted their joint resignation.