Malayalam film fraternity unites to support actress abducted and molested

The writer took to social media to vent anger against the perpetrators.

"It is most unfortunate to hear about this atrocity perpetrated on a Lady. Such acts should not only be condemned vehemently by one and all but exemplary punishment should be handed out to these criminals who are worse than animals so that it serves as a lesson to similar minded characters who I will not even term as humans."

Urging for quick justice, he added, "It's time we stop being candle holding and candle lighting sympathisers and ensure that the law of the land be strengthened in such ways that no body even dares contemplating such acts leave alone commit it. My heart goes out to her in this time of distress. May justice be served without delay." 

Mohanlal's sentiments were echoed by fellow actor Dulquer Saleem, who said that even though he takes great pride in his society and how it treats wormen, the incident has left a dent in his mind.

"I was hesitant to speak out about this incident yesterday out of respect for the victim of this travesty. It's easy to just post something on social media, but I'm afraid it somehow becomes about yourself. This is so much more than all that. It's something that sickens and frightens my core. I take great pride in our state and how safe our society is. Especially how we treat and respect our women. And yesterday it's like that shattered."

"This is somebody's daughter, somebody's sister somebody's family and someone who has brought to life so many wonderful characters to us film lovers. I wish and pray our superb police force, the Kerala Police catch these spineless cowards hiding behind their masks. Including myself and our industry, I request all our boys and men, young and old to be alert and vigilant. It's equally our responsibility to care about, look out for, and to respect & protect our women,' he added.

The popular actress in South Indian state of Kerala, was abducted and later molested by a gang of men.

Though the Kerala Police have already nabbed the driver of the alleged vehicle in which she was kidnapped, they are yet to trace the main culprits.

With pressure mounting from the film fraternity, the police said that they have intensified the hunt.

"Their plan was to get the money from the actress by blackmailing her [with the video]," a police official was quoted as saying by Manorama News.

According to Indian Express, Police sources said a lookout notice has been issued to nab the key accused Sunil Kumar alias Pulsor Sunil, who had earlier worked with the actress’s driver.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism.

While several have slammed the nature of the incident, actor Unni Mukundan praised the actress for her courage to speak up against the incident.

Lauding her decision, the actor was quoted as saying in the media, "Nothing will change except for the fact that everyone will know that you are one brave girl who chose to fight."

However, the incumbent state government has described it as an isolated incident and has urged people to not panic about women safety in Kerala.

"It is an isolated incident and because of this you cannot claim that the law and order situation in the state has worsened," CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was quoted as saying by Times of India.

In a stark contrast, where others slammed the police for the lack of arrest pertaining to the case, the lawmaker chose to laud the police for quick action.

Speaking about the driver's arrest, Balakrishna said, "This shows that the police acted swiftly and nabbed the culprits. The investigation is going in the right direction."

The accused has been identified as a former driver of actor-turned-politician Mukesh.

When questioned, he said, "I never knew that he had a criminal background when he was my driver. He was my driver for quite some time before he moved out. Later, I learnt that the police had arrested him in some criminal case."