Director, technicians demand sexual favours from women artists in Tamil TV industry, alleges Padmini
Chennai: As the Malayalam film industry faces intense scrutiny amid allegations of sexual abuse, popular actor and television producer Kutti Padmini has now brought similar accusations to light within the Tamil television industry.
In an interview with NDTV, Padmini revealed that directors and technicians in the Tamil television industry often demand sexual favours from female artists. She noted that many women do not speak out about these abuses because proving sexual harassment can be difficult. Furtermore, Padmini also alleged that many women "have committed suicide" over it. "This is a profession like any other—doctors, lawyers, IT person. Why it has to be a flesh trade? It is very wrong," she asserted.
Padmini highlighted the negative repercussions faced by those who come forward with complaints. She pointed out that they are often blacklisted by the industry, citing the examples of singer Chinmayi and actor Sri Reddy. Chinmayi faced a ban imposed by actor Radha Ravi after she supported individuals who had accused him, with the ban justified on the grounds of her not renewing her membership. Similarly, Sri Reddy was denied a membership card for the actors' association, effectively preventing her from working in television serials.
Padmini also noted that investigations into sexual harassment allegations within Tamil cinema have made little progress. She criticised statements from figures like actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, who has reportedly questioned the availability of proof. "How can anyone provide proof? They can do lie-detector test like the CBI is doing," she suggested.
Kutti Padmini also shared that she experienced sexual harassment as a child artist. "I was thrown out of a Hindi film when my mom raised the issue," she said, highlighting the challenges in gathering evidence against perpetrators.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
