CPM stands by Mukesh, to ensure fair probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is official. Actor M Mukesh can now concentrate on fighting the cases registered against him after the survivors alleged sexual misbehaviour -violence in the aftermath of the MeToo movement that stirred up a hornet’s nest in Malayalam film industry.

After serious deliberations in which many leaders, including women members, cautioned about any kind of intervention in the inquiry and legal course of action by the government, the CPM state committee on Saturday decided to accept the state leadership’s point that until proven guilty Mukesh should be given the benefit of doubt. However, Mukesh will be dropped from the panel constituted to formulate the film policy. The CPM’s decision came in the wake of the opposition calling for the actor’s resignation.