Junior artist claims Malayalam Actor Baburaj "raped her after inviting her to his house", actor denies allegations

Malayalam actor-producer Baburaj has been accused of sexual assault by a junior artist. The allegation has emerged just a day after Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith and actors' association general secretary Siddique stepped down following accusations of sexual misconduct. Baburaj, who serves as the joint general secretary of Kerala’s Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has denied the allegations and announced his intention to pursue legal action against the accuser.

The Allegation

 
The junior artist, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recounted her experience to the media. She claimed that Baburaj offered her a role in an upcoming movie and invited her to his house in Aluva, Ernakulam district, under the pretense of a meeting involving the film's production team. She stated, "He (Baburaj) offered a role for me in an upcoming movie and asked me to come to his house at Aluva (Ernakulam district), saying that the film’s production controller and other technicians are at his house. I was offered a role which has a presence throughout the movie. I went to him expecting that he would recommend me to get a better career in the industry. When I reached his house, there was nobody."

She alleged that Baburaj gave her a room and later invited her for a meal. However, when she opened the door to join him, Baburaj allegedly entered the room, locked it from the inside, and began behaving inappropriately. The artist accused him of leading her to the cot and raping her. "He started talking vulgarly (sic) and led me to the cot and raped me," she alleged.
Baburaj's Response
Baburaj has firmly denied all allegations of sexual assault. In a statement, he challenged the complainant to come forward publicly, claiming that the accusations were part of a conspiracy to prevent him from ascending to the position of general secretary of AMMA. Baburaj said, "The complainant should come in public. I think she had worked in my resort. The motive is to prevent me from becoming the general secretary of AMMA. She has no links with films. People who have a grudge towards me are behind this allegation. I will expose the conspiracy behind this."

The Junior Artist's Stand
Despite the strong denial from Baburaj, the junior artist has expressed her readiness to present her side of the story to the authorities and the media. She remarked, "At any workplace, women should not face this experience. I had informed the police then but could not file a complaint as they had requested. If Baburaj is challenging me, I’m ready to present the entire episode before the media in his presence. I have no other intention since I have left the industry and am living with family outside Kerala."

The artist's willingness to speak out despite leaving the film industry underscores the seriousness of her allegations. Her claim that she has no links with the film industry and is currently living away from Kerala indicates a desire to distance herself from the situation unless justice is served.

A Broader Context
This accusation against Baburaj is part of a broader wave of similar allegations and resignations that have shaken the Malayalam film industry recently. With the stepping down of prominent figures like Ranjith and Siddique due to similar accusations, the industry's handling of such sensitive issues has come under scrutiny.

The accusations against Baburaj have added fuel to ongoing debates about the safety and working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. The incident highlights the persistent problems of harassment and abuse that have been reported by several women in various capacities in the film sector.Next Steps

 
As of now, Baburaj has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the junior artist for what he describes as a baseless allegation meant to tarnish his reputation. Meanwhile, the junior artist's readiness to cooperate with the police and media suggests that this issue will not fade away quietly. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact this case will have on the ongoing efforts to address harassment and abuse within the film industry.