Actor Rini George and Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil
- Malayalam actor Rini George accused a youth leader of sending objectionable messages for three years
- She alleged the leader invited her to a five-star hotel and ignored her complaints
- BJP in Kerala accused Congress MLA Rahul Mankoottil and protested outside his office
Malayalam actor Rini George has accused a youth leader of a prominent political party of sending her objectionable messages for the last three years and inviting her to a five-star hotel, and alleged inaction from party authorities despite several complaints.
The actor refused to disclose the accused's name or his party, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala alleged Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil's role and even staged protests outside his office in Palakkad district.
Mr Mamkootathil denied the allegation but stepped down as Youth Congress president on Friday. "I challenge the person who complained against me to prove the case in the court of law. No concrete complaint has been filed against me from any quarter," he said.
The actor made the allegations in an online interview that has gone viral.
"I came in contact with the politician through social media. His inappropriate behaviour began three years ago, when I first received objectionable messages from him," Ms George claimed.
She alleged that the leader even offered to book a room at a five-star hotel and asked her to visit.
Besides, she accused senior leaders of the concerned party of ignoring her complaints and said the young leader continued to receive prominent positions within the party despite her warnings. She said when she warned the leader she would approach senior party officials, he reportedly dismissed her, saying, "You can go and tell anyone... who cares?"
"The image I had in my mind about them has been shattered. Even after my complaint, he was given several prominent positions within the party," she said.
The accused, she said, also questioned her about the fate of political leaders previously accused of sexual harassment.
The actor said she is not pursuing a complaint due to security reasons and her "lack of faith in the justice system". She said she "did not wish to embarrass the political party involved", but was speaking out to support other women 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.
As the actor's interview went viral, the BJP alleged Mr Mamkootathil's role and demanded his resignation. As they held a protest outside his office in Palakkad, they clashed with police personnel who tried to evacuate the area.
Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said: "We are looking into it and will take action accordingly."
