Malayalam Actor-Producer Vijay Babu Booked For Sexual Assault, Disclosed Survivor’s Identity

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has taken their firm decision of supporting the survivor who has accused popular Malayalam Actor-producer Vijay Babu of sexual assault and revealing the survivor’s identity on facebook during his recent FB live session. WCC has also requested the authorities to take rigorous steps to prevent and disparage such acts in future and make the work environment safer.

As per the reports, On April 22, a case has been registered by the female actor in Ernakulam South police against Vijay Babu. Since then reportedly he is absconding. Following the woman’s complaint the police booked him with rape charges.

WCC has released a statement through their social media account in which they have highlighted such cases of happens often in the industry and thus stringent action needs to be taken. It reads, “Yet another shocking allegation of sexual harassment and violence in the Malayalam film industry is now public. While committees come and go, more such incidents continue to happen. WCC reiterates that crimes are being perpetrated here under the guise of professional equations and professional space. Anyone has the right to file an official police complaint for a crime committed against oneself. The right to arbitrate about who is a victim rests with the judiciary and not anyone else.”

Further it says the accused has mocked the judicial system and there is a need for safer work environment. It says, “An Accused's public shaming of a Complainant is deplorable and punishable by law. Flaunting his presence online with such an act without turning himself into the judicial process seems to be an attempt to mock the judicial system. WCC urges the authorities to take stringent action and hopes the Malayalam Film Industry will condemn these acts and clean up the workspace for women by distancing perpetrators.”