Senior dubbing artist and actor Bhagyalakshmi has resigned from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), protesting the organisation's move to consider reinstating actor Dileep soon after the Sessions Court verdict in the 2017 assault case.
A stand for survivors
According to a report by News18, Bhagyalakshmi described her exit as an act of protest and a stand for survivors of abuse. She shared that the legal battle is "far from over" and criticised the way organisations are treating the Sessions Court judgment as the final word.
Verdict not final yet
According to her, with the case yet to reach the Supreme Court, it is both insensitive and premature to welcome an industry comeback for the actor. "Only the principal sessions court's verdict has come out. There is Supreme Court. There are many things to be proved. This is a case in which 21 witnesses turned hostile," she said, questioning the influence that led to such an outcome.
She also found it disturbing to look at the pace at which film bodies appeared to be preparing for Dileep's reinstatement and accused influential voices in the industry of prioritising power and money over ethics. She mentioned that she could not remain part of an organisation that, in her view, no longer safeguards women or stands with survivors.
Survivor left out of the conversation
Bhagyalakshmi also shared her disappointment over the complete neglect of the survivor by industry bodies. According to her, film organisations appear more eager to give Dileep a reinstatement letter than to offer moral support to the survivor who has endured years of trauma. "Look at how quickly these organisations decided to take Dileep back. They are waiting to give him a letter. They have not spoken to her. They have not stopped her and consoled her. What a shameless stand they have taken, walking with the prey and the hunter," she said.
Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.