'Heroes on screen are villains off-screen'; non-disclosure of names will also cast doubt on gentlemen in film industry, says K Muraleedharan

KOZHIKODE: Former MP and senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan has responded to the release of the Justice Hema Committee report. Muraleedharan asked why the state government hoarded the Hema Committee report for four and a half years.

"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should clarify why the release of the Hema Committee report was delayed for four and a half years. These are the same persons who released the Solar Commission report within a few days. The Hema Committee report was handed over to the Chief Minister. Then, how can the government deny responsibility for the delay that has occurred," Muraleedharan said.

"With the release of the report, it has become clear that people who we idolise on screen are villains off-screen. If the names of the wrongdoers are not disclosed, even the gentlemen in the film industry will be under suspicion. Why is the government so interested in not releasing the names of the wrongdoers? Public servants are an open book. Film personalities are not greater than public servants. Why are the names of the culprits who made mistakes not being revealed?" Muraleedharan asked.

The Department of Cultural Affairs released the Hema Committee report under the Right to Information Act at around 2.30 pm on Monday. The report came to light after the High Court dismissed the plea filed by actress Ranjini challenging the release of the report. According to the report, Malayalam cinema is ruled by a criminal mafia and even minors are being exploited in the film industry.