35 Further action (FAD) in criminal cases follows the incompetence of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to file further action, which is mixed by non-cooperation of the remaining people, to collect sufficient evidence. (File image)
The Kerala Police has decided to abandon cases that have come out of the findings of HEMA Committee on sexual abuse and misunderstandings within the Malayalam film industry.
35 Further action (FAD) in criminal cases follows the incompetence of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to file further action, which is mixed by non-cooperation of the remaining people, to collect sufficient evidence.
According to official sources, despite repeated summons by both the SIT and the court, the remaining people refused to provide statements in relation to cases.
Additional Inspector General of Police and Nodal Officer for investigation. Ponguzali said that while 21 of these cases FAD reports have been filed, so due to complete lack of progress, the remaining 14 cases are also likely to be temporarily demolished.
‘Not permanently closed’
“These cases are not being permanently closed,” the officer clarified. “We have included provisions that allow the remaining people to come forward at any point that will enable us to reopen the investigation. However, in the absence of cooperation, we have killed a legal and procedural dead end.”
He said that the SIT had issued three rounds of notices, and the court had also called the remaining people without any response, which made further investigation into the circumstances.
Despite this shock, police investigation is going on in about 70 other cases registered after the public release of HEMA Committee reports and survivor revelations. Of these, the charge sheet has already been filed in about 25 cases.
In particular, the major figures in the Malayalam film industry, including MLA M. Mukesh, Siddiqu, Jayasuraya, Edvel Babu, Manianpilai Raju and Ranjith are nominated in the charge sheet presented.
The HeMA committee was formed in 2017 for women’s growing demands in the film industry to protect systemic reforms and oppression.
Published – June 03, 2025 01:27 pm IST
