Journalism of Courage
Film actor Shweta Menon has alleged she was molested by an elected representative at the venue of the presidents trophy boat race in Kollam on Friday night.
Though Menon did not name the politician who allegedly harassed her nor file a complaint with the police,she said the visuals aired in the media indicated the molester. The video footage showed Peethambara Kurup,Congress MP from Kollam,standing very close to the actor and moving along with her. Kurup,73,denied the allegation.
The issue triggered protest from political and women outfits. The association of Malayalam movie artistes (AMMA) and film employees federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has demanded action against Kurup. Although Menon did not move a complaint till Saturday evening,CPI(M) youth outfit DYFI filed a complaint as per CrPC 154.
The news about the alleged molestation came six hours after the incident. Since elections are round the corner,there is political motive behind the allegation. I have sought a fair probe and will come out with details to prove my innocence, said Kurup.
Menon,who was the chief guest at the boat race,told the media that there was an attempt to molest her from the moment she got on the stage. I did not react at that moment because I didnt want to spoil the event. I had informed the district collector over the phone about the incident. He tendered an apology,but later feigned ignorance about the issue after it came out in the media, she said.
