YouTuber ‘Arattannan’ from Kerala accused of sexually abusing a trans woman and charged with four others

The MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry is taking a darker turn with every passing hour. A new report has surfaced online stating that Kerala-based YouTuber Santhosh Varkey, better known as Arattannan, has been accused of sexually harassing a transgender make-up artist. According to the latest reports, based on the victim's complaint, a case has been filed against Arattannan and four others in Ernakulam.

Speaking to 24 News, the victim claimed that short film writer Vineeth offered her a role. The writer allegedly went to the survivors' house with his friends. One of them was the YouTuber and they sexually abused her. Vineeth, Alin Jose, Santhosh Varkey, Bright and Abhilash Attayam are named in the FIR.

They were charged under sections 377 (unnatural offences), 506 (criminal intimidation), 511 (attempt to commit offences punishable with life imprisonment or other term of imprisonment) and 34 (acts done by several persons in prosecution of a common purpose) of the IPC and section 18(d) (Offences and punishment for anyone who causes harm, injury or endangerment to life, safety, health or welfare of a transgender person) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

According to the “News Minute”, the case is being investigated by the police, but no arrests have been made yet.

The new case is one of many filed as part of the new wave of MeToo movement in Mollywood. The cases of sexual assault in the Malayalam film industry have been reported since the findings of the Judicial Committee Hema report were released earlier this month. Several actresses have accused male members of the industry of harassing them. A man from Kerala has also accused director Ranjith of sexually harassing him.

Disclaimer: In accordance with legal and ethical guidelines, we do not name victims in cases of sexual harassment or sexual assault. The mention of the name in this article is based on the fact that the person has publicly identified themselves in connection with the case. We respect the privacy and dignity of all those involved and ask readers to handle the matter sensitively.