SIT halts probes into workplace harassment in Malayalam cinema amidst survivors’ reluctance

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged workplace harassment in the Malayalam film industry has paused investigations in several cases registered following the release of the Hema Committee report and subsequent survivor disclosures, citing a lack of cooperation from survivors. Out of 120 cases registered across various police stations, based on the report, the SIT has so far filed charge sheets in 26 cases.

A senior SIT officer noted that many cases based on the Hema Committee report were stalled because the report often lacked specific names, leaving investigators to rely on survivors' willingness to cooperate. "We’ve informed the courts that investigations will resume if and when survivors are willing to provide statements," the officer said, adding that some survivors failed to appear even after being summoned three times by the courts.

In September 2024, the Kerala government was directed to hand over the complete Hema Committee report, including all annexeures, to the SIT. The High Court instructed that the report should serve as preliminary information for initiating legal action where warranted. The Hema Committee formally published its redacted findings in August 2024. The committee was established to examine the issues faced by women working in the Malayalam film industry, particularly in the wake of the actress assault case in 2017 that led to the arrest and trial of actor Dileep.

Meanwhile, the SIT's approach has also faced criticism. Actor Maala Parvathi moved to the Supreme Court, alleging that women who had testified before the Hema Committee were being subjected to harassment during the follow-up investigations.