Malayalam actor accuses Kerala politician of sending her offensive messages

Kochi: Rini Ann George, a young Malayalam actor, has levelled a serious allegation against a young politician from a prominent political party. The actor, known for her role in '916 Kunjoottan', alleged that the politician had sent her offensive messages on multiple occasions. She addressed the media in Kochi on Wednesday after her interview with an online channel went viral. She had initially declined to name the leader.

She pointed out that she was speaking out to support other women, who were also, allegedly, targeted by the leader. "I have not suffered any assault; I only received these messages. But through my friends, I learned that several other women faced harassment, and I am speaking up for them," she said, calling on political leaders to show moral uprightness. 

The actor said she had first faced the unpleasant experience about three years ago. “I received inappropriate messages from the politician. He invited me to a location to spend time with him. When I told him that I would complain about him, he challenged me to go through with it. ‘Who cares?’ was his attitude,” Rini said.

She urged senior politicians to rein in young leaders and added that she decided to speak out after many women — including wives and daughters of politicians — reportedly had similar encounters with him.

Rini said she last received a message from the leader in February, and added that she had first come into contact with him through social media.

"The leader is someone who is always seen in channel discussions and protest venues. If his party has moral standing, then it must control such young leaders," said the actor.

"He once told me, 'let's book a room in a five-star hotel, you should come.' I reacted strongly. Afterwards, there was no trouble for a while. But then it was repeated. Many people had come forward with similar complaints," Rini said.

She added that she had informed the party leadership about this young leader, but they soft-pedalled it, saying that they would resolve it. "Don’t worry, they told me." 

"But it was after that that the young leader was given positions and recognition. I received obscene messages, but I ignored them. However, when some matters about this person recently came out on social media, I realised that many women are facing these problems. Yet, not a single woman is speaking out about it. That is why I  decided to speak up," she explained.

The actor further declared that she is not interested in filing a formal complaint with the police, as she does not believe justice would be served. “If I file a complaint, I will put myself in danger. That will be the only result. I urge women in the country to elect public representatives wisely,” she said.