Dileep’s suspension row divides Kerala
Indian politician PT Thomas has asked the film body to reconsider its decision to reinstate the accused actor
After an actresses’ organisation expressed its displeasure over the reinstatement of Dileep to the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (Amma), political leaders have also slammed Amma for the move. Dileep stands accused of the attempted abduction and rape of an actress.
Senior Congress member PT Thomas, who was one of the first to know about the actress kidnapping case in February 2017, and had reached the victim’s side before informing the police, told the media that Amma should reconsider its decision on Dileep. “It is now very clear that only a handful of the artists were genuinely with the victim. Those leading lights who took part in the protest meetings held the next day of the kidnap attempt in Kochi, were only shedding crocodile tears.
“Not a single one of them was supporting the victim. It’s now time for the Kerala Assembly and the state government to react,” added Thomas.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), irked by Amma’s decision to revoke the suspension of Dileep who is an accused in the actress kidnapping case, had put out a Facebook post on Monday.
“If you have decided to revoke the suspension... what has changed after he was suspended?” the WCC asked AMMA, led by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
Popular actress Rima Kallingal and her husband director Ashiq Abu were the first to voice their displeasure.