Mammootty denies power centre allegations amid mollywood #metoo controversy
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid growing controversy in the Malayalam film industry over sexual assault allegations against prominent figures, veteran actor Mammootty has denied the existence of a "power centre" in Mollywood. This statement follows Mohanlal’s recent denial of involvement in any power groups within the industry.
In a Facebook post, the 72-year-old actor emphasised that cinema mirrors society, including its flaws, and urged the police to conduct an honest investigation. He also welcomed the recommendations of the Justice Hema Committee, formed in response to allegations of misconduct in the industry.
Mammootty's statement comes as the Justice Hema Committee report, which highlights the control of the Malayalam film industry by a small group of male producers, directors, and actors, has become public. The report, submitted in 2019 but released only recently, has led to the dissolution of the top panel of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), which was led by Mohanlal.
Several actors and filmmakers, including Jayasurya, Sidhique, and Mukesh, are currently facing accusations of sexual harassment or assault, intensifying the scrutiny on the industry.
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UP: Woman's body found stuffed in suitcase at home, family claims suicide
Shahjahanpur (UP), May 18 (PTI): Police found a woman's body stuffed inside a large suitcase at her residence here on Sunday after her family claimed that she had committed suicide, officials said.
The 32-year-old woman's husband claimed that she died by hanging herself with a scarf, and that he removed the body and placed it inside the suitcase fearing action by police, they said.
Other family members, including the couple's children, corroborated the husband's claims.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi told PTI that the body of Savita, wife of Ashok Kumar, was found inside a suitcase at her house in Tilhar town.
According to Dwivedi, the woman’s brother-in-law informed police that she had allegedly died by suicide.
However, when a police team reached the spot, they found her body concealed inside a suitcase.
Preliminary examination showed marks around her neck, they said, adding that the body had not yet decomposed, the SP said.
During questioning, Savita’s husband claimed that she committed suicide by hanging herself with her scarf. He also claimed fearing action against him, he removed the body and placed it inside the suitcase, police said.
Dwivedi added that this version of events was corroborated by the couple’s two children. However, the act of concealing the body in a suitcase raised suspicions, he said.
The body has been sent for post-mortem, and an investigation is underway. Legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty, the SP added.
