Malayalam actor Jayasurya has been questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding sexual assault allegations made against him. The interrogation took place on Tuesday at the Cantonment police station in Thiruvananthapuram.
The allegations against Jayasurya have intensified following accusations from multiple female colleagues in the Malayalam film industry, coinciding with the release of the Hema Committee Report. This report investigated claims of sexual harassment within the industry.
Legal Actions and Actor’s Response
Two actresses have filed police complaints against Jayasurya, leading to legal action and public statements from the actor. On September 1, during a social media post on his 46th birthday, Jayasurya addressed the allegations, stating that he was in the United States at the time.
In his statement, he wrote, “Due to my personal commitments, my family and I have been in America for the past month, and during this time, two false allegations on the grounds of sexual harassment were made against me.” He expressed his intention to pursue legal remedies, stating, “I have decided to move forward with this legally. My legal team will be looking after the rest of the proceedings regarding this case.”
Jayasurya expressed his emotional turmoil, saying, “Quite naturally, it has shattered me, my family and everyone who has held me close.” He reiterated his innocence, stating, “A lie always travels faster than the truth but I believe truth will prevail.”
One of the complainants, actress Sonia Malhar, recounted her experience, claiming an incident occurred on the set of the film Pigman in Thodupuzha. She stated, “When I came out of the washroom, someone grabbed me. It was actor Jayasurya. I pushed him away. He apologized and told me that he wouldn’t repeat it and that we should continue as friends.” Malhar also discussed the backlash she faced on social media after sharing her story publicly.
Another actress, Minu Muneer, has also accused Jayasurya of inappropriate conduct during their collaborations on various projects. She alleged, “Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully.” Her claims led to the registration of an FIR against Jayasurya, as well as another against actor Mukesh, a CPI (M) MLA, for similar allegations.
The Kerala Police confirmed that the second FIR against Jayasurya was filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault and harassment.
