MeToo Uproar: Bro Daddy Asst Director Accused Of Rape And Blackmail By Junior Artist, SIT To Probe

The Hema Committee Report has jolted not just the Malayalam film industry, but has also spiraled a rampant #Metoo movement across cine industries. The 235-page report uncovers shocking findings about the working conditions of women professionals in Mollywood. As days pass by, several new accusations and more victims are coming forward to share instances of sexual abuse and assault they faced on sets of the movies. The latest allegations have been put on the assistant director of the film Bro Daddy who has been booked for sexual assault and extortion.

Junior artist accuses Bro Daddy assistant director of sexual assault 

The assistant director from the Prithviraj directorial Bro Daddy is the most recent name to come in the #Metoo Movement that has gained momentum in Mollywood. A junior artist from the film set has filed an official complaint with the Hyderabad police accusing Mansoor Rasheed of sexually assaulting her and filming her nude scenes. However, as per On Manorama despite the FIR the Hyderabad Police could not catch the accused and has handed over the case to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set by the Kerela government to look into the rampant sexual assault incidents in the Malayalam film industry.

The junior artist, in her complaint stated that the incident took place in August 2021 when she was offered to play a part as an extra in a wedding scene in the film. She added that Mansoor offered her roles in some other scenes as well and booked her in the same hotel where the other cast and crew members resided. She then alleged that he reached her room and raped her after making her a drink. The artist also claimed that Mansoor took nude photos of her and then blackmailed her using those the next morning. She shared that he has taken money from her several times ever since.  

Hyderabad police files a rape complaint against Mansoor Rasheed 

As reported by On Manorama, the junior artist filed a complaint at the Gachibowli police station in Hyderabad following which the police charged rape charges against Mansoor Rasheed. The police, however, claimed that the accused fled the station ‘with the help of politicians’. The junior artist further shared that Mansoor continued to work in Malayalam films despite charges. 
 

 The ripple effect caused by the Justice K Hema Committee report findings saw other actors–Jayasurya and Maniyanpilla Raju, being booked for sexual assault. Earlier, actor Siddique was booked for allegedly raping an actress in a hotel eight years ago. Prior to that, a case under IPC Section 354 (assault or criminal force on woman with intent to outrage her modesty) was registered against director Ranjith on a complaint by a female actor from West Bengal regarding an incident that occurred in 2009.

The Justice Hema Committee was constituted by the Kerala government after the 2017 actress assault case and its report revealed instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.
(With inputs from PTI)