Ever since the Justice Hema Committee report was made public, serious allegations of sexual harassment and abuse has been levelled against big names in Malayalam cinema. One significant allegation has been from actress Minu Muneer, who has accused actor and CPI (M) MLA Mukesh of sexually harassing her while accepting her application to join the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).
Now, while responding to the claims by Minu Muneer, Mukesh made an accusation of his own, saying he was being “blackmailed” by the actress. In a Facebook post, Mukesh wrote, “The truth needs to come out. I’ll face it legally, and I welcome investigations into the allegations against filmmakers, including myself.”
Earlier, in an interview, Minu Muneer claimed that Mukesh sought sexual favors from her when she asked for his assistance in joining AMMA. However, Mukesh said it was a political drama.
“The same political drama happened in 2018, raising the same allegations,” said the actor. He added, “In 2009, she introduced herself as Minu Kurian, a cinema aspirant, and met me with a photo album of hers. As it is usual when someone asks for such opportunities, I said I’ll try my best. In fact, they later sent a message thanking me for my polite behavior. At no point during the meeting did she express dislike or flaws in my behavior.”
Mukesh also alleged that back in 2022, the aspiring actress met him as Minu Muneer, asking for a “huge financial help,” but he expressed his helplessness. He continued, “She sent a WhatsApp message asking for at least Rs. 1 lakh. I also received another message that people from a particular community had been asked to intervene since I didn’t pay the money.”
Serious allegations against actor and MLA Mukesh..!! pic.twitter.com/ERitPFbeCq
— AB George (@AbGeorge_) August 25, 2024
Mukesh said that, a few days later, he received another message from someone claiming to be Muneer’s husband, demanding money. “This gang has been constantly blackmailing me for money, and is now turning against me… I am revealing this on the basis of evidence regarding messages they sent me. I’m not one to conspire to harm someone’s personality or dignity. But I’m not ready to succumb to blackmail tactics either.”
Also, after the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, AMMA Chief Mohanlal and the Executive Committee resigned from their posts. Meanwhile, in Kerala, a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up by the Pinarayi Vijayan government to probe all sexual assault charges.
See Also: Watch: BJP MP & Actor Suresh Gopi Pushes Media When Asked About Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Mukesh