Malayalam actor Edavela Babu arrested on rape charge, released on bail

Malayalam actor Edavela Babu was arrested on Wednesday (September 25) for the alleged sexual assault of a female actor but released on account of anticipatory bail granted by a court earlier.

Babu was arrested after being questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Kerala formed after the wave of allegations following the release of the Hema Committee report.

Babu’s interrogation by the SIT in Kochi commenced around 10 am, and his arrest was recorded at around 1 pm. He was released on bail after a medical examination, police said.

The complaint

Babu, who is also a former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), was booked by the Ernakulam Town North police on August 28.

The woman actor filed a complaint against him. According to it, the incident occurred at Babu’s Kaloor residence. Babu had called her to discuss her application for membership in the AMMA.

He allegedly invited her to his flat to fill out the form, but sexually abused her instead.

Wave of allegations

The Malayalam film industry is reeling under allegations of sexual assault and harassment against prominent actors and filmmakers.

These include actors Jayasurya, Siddique, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, and director Ranjith. Actor Mukesh was arrested on Tuesday and similarly released on bail after a medical examination. 

Several actors, including Minu Muneer and Sonia Malhaar, have come forward with serious allegations of sexual abuse.

SIT probing charges

The allegations follow the public release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed the exploitation and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.

The 235-page report reveals that the industry is controlled by 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors.

The uproar has led to the dissolution of AMMA. An SIT is now probing several allegations.

(With agency inputs)