KOCHI: Actors shied away from discussing the abduction and molestation of a female colleague during the annual general body meeting of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) held on Thursday. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, AMMA president and lawmaker Innocent said nobody had raised the issue in the meeting. He said AMMA stayed away from making any public statements on the matter on the advice of the chief minister and the police chief.
“I had spoken to the CM and DGP on the day of the incident, and they suggested to stay away from public statements to avoid complications in the ongoing probe,” he said. “The complainant and the person facing allegations are children of AMMA, and the organisation will stand by them.” The press meet also saw some heated arguments between media and actors Mukesh and Ganesh Kumar, both ruling coalition legislators.
Mukesh said reporters should not ask unnecessary questions and Kumar said there were no differences in the AMMA and all members were united. “The efforts to create a rift will not succeed,” he said. “We will not allow the targeted attack on anyone.” Mammootty and Mohan Lal remained calm throughout the commotion and declined to interfere. Actor Manju Warrier and the victim of the assault did not attend the meeting.
