Actress Rima Kallingal sends defamation suit to singer Suchitra – ThePrint – ANIFeed

New Delhi [India]September 3 (ANI): Rima Kallingal, founding member of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), has filed a defamation suit against playback singer Suchitra.

On September 3, Rima Suchitra's allegations on her Instagram platform were described as “baseless”.

“Many of you have stood behind the WCC and its cause for years. It is this support and trust that prompts me to write to you now. Over the last two days, several news agencies have reported statements made by Tamil singer Suchitra in an interview with a YouTube channel. In the 30-minute interview, she not only names and shames the 2017 sexual assault survivor by claiming that the survivor 'knew it was coming', but also alleges that CM Pinarayi, Mohanlal and Mammootty conspired through the Hema Committee to sabotage the careers of actors like Fahadh. We all know why the Hema Committee was formed and anyone who claims otherwise should be questioned,” Rima wrote.

“Although these wild theories have not made it into the mainstream news, her baseless statement about me – based on a newspaper article she read about my so-called 'arrest' – has gained traction. Let me clarify that nothing like this ever happened. I have decided to take action. I have filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Team and sent a defamation notice. To all who believe in our cause, let us continue to move forward together. Thank you for your support,” Rima said in her Instagram post.

Allegations of sexual assault against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry followed the release of the Hema Judicial Committee report, which revealed shocking details of crimes against women in the industry.

The report, with its shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation and mistreatment of female professionals, shook the entire industry.

The report, released on August 19 after redacting the names of witnesses and accused, pointed out that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by around 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who dominate and control the industry.

The Justice K Hema Committee was set up by the Kerala government following the 2017 assault case of an actress. It was formed following a petition by the Women in Cinema Collective. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated by ANI news service. ThePrint takes no responsibility for its content.