Kerala CPI(M) Secretary Govindan reiterates everyone’s responsibility in sexual abuse case and underlines government’s commitment to justice

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India]August 31 (ANI): Amid allegations of sexual abuse that have rocked the Malayalam film industry, with police registering 11 cases, including one against CPI (M) MP Mukesh, Kerala CPI (M) secretary MV Govindan said everyone will be held accountable irrespective of their status before the law.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Govindan also said that the Kerala government had set an example for the entire country with its commitment to justice, even taking action against a member of the ruling party.

“The police have registered 11 cases, including one against CPI(M) MP Mukesh. The government is showing its commitment to justice by taking action even against a ruling party MP. The Kerala government is setting an example for the entire country by its actions… If an accused MP resigns and is later found innocent, there is no legal way to reinstate him. However, no one should be given special privileges during the investigation. The party's stand is that justice should be done to all. Irrespective of his status, everyone must be held accountable before the law,” he said.

Govindan also mentioned that it was the first time in India that a “committee was set up to investigate and resolve problems within the film industry” and that a committee was also set up to formulate a cinema policy.

“A committee headed by Shaji N Karun has been appointed to formulate a cinema policy… A date has already been fixed for a retreat to formulate a cinema policy. We will decide after discussions with all the stakeholders. Currently, expulsion of Mukesh from such committees is being considered. So, we will take necessary time to take a decision. The government has no intention of rushing the retreat or announcing a cinema policy,” he added later.

Addressing the opposition parties' campaign demanding MLA Mukesh's resignation, Govindan said, “Across the country, 16 MPs and 135 MLAs are accused in cases involving women, including 54 BJP MPs and 23 Congress MPs. None of them has resigned from their post; none has resigned from office.” On the party's action against PK Sasi following serious financial misappropriation on his part, Govindan said, “The action against PK Sasi has been approved by the state committee. He has been removed from his elected posts within the party. The decision to reorganise the Mannarkkad area committee has also been approved by the state committee.” (ANI)