Disclosures by two actresses that they were victims of sexual misconduct by higher-ups in the film industry led to the resignation of two industry veterans on Sunday. Filmmaker Ranjith and actor Siddique submitted their resignations as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors, respectively.

An allegation by Bengali film actress Sreelekha Mitra that CPI(M) leader Ranjith had “misbehaved” with her in 2009 has caused an “earthquake” in the State’s political and cultural landscape, with many calling for the filmmaker’s resignation. Although Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Cultural Minister Saji Cherian insisted that no action could be taken based solely on the actress’s oral disclosure, some party leaders and industry veterans were firm that the Chalachitra Academy chairman should either step down or be removed from his position.

This made Ranjith to  resign from the chairmanship of Kerala Chalachitra Academy, the Government-run institution entrusted with holding the State’s yearly International Film Festival.

Ranjith sent his letter of resignation to Minister for culture Cherian on Sunday morning and he told his friends in the filmdom that he would rather face any probe ordered by the Government against the disclosures made by Mitra than continuing in the post.

While speaking to a TV channel, the Bengali actress had claimed that the movie maker had touched her with ulterior motives when she approached him for a role in the movie to be made by him. Mitra said she just rushed out from the room where Ranjith was staying and was informed by the latter’s associates that she has not been selected for  the role.

On Sunday news surfaced of actor Siddique resigning from the post of  general secretary of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes), a collective of artists in the Malayalam film industry, following a complaint by a fellow artist.

Rohini Sampath, a popular Malayalam actress, had accused Siddique of sexually assaulting and abusing her during a meeting.

“I was locked in a room by Siddique and abused many times. He threatened me with dire consequences if I reveal any information about this nasty incidence,” said Revathy Sampath, an actress in Kerala. She said the attitude of Siddique was literally shocking as he terrorised the victims. Revathy disclosed that Siddique had contacted her using a fake social media account under the guise of discussing a film project.

“He’s a criminal. He subjected me to sexual assault for an hour. He asked me to come to Hotel Mascot to discuss the offer. I was caught unawares when he asked me immediately whether I was ready for adjustments. When I expressed shock, he became explicit in his demands saying that his sexual fantasies include women with long nails,” she said.

Sources close to Ranjith told The Pioneer that the actor, scion of the Chalappuram Nair family, was a victim of intra party and inter party political rivalry. “His predecessor, Kamaluddeen, was accused of sexual abuses by many actresses but no action was taken against him. We have a strong feeling that there is double standard viz-a-viz Ranjith’s case,” they said.