Malayalam artistes’, producers’ associations cancel Dileep’s membership following his arrest

Malyalam superstar Dileep, who has been arrested for the abduction and molestation of a popular actress in February, was on Tuesday removed as treasurer and member of the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA).

Dileep was sent to 14 days judicial custody based on 19 bits of evidence that the police were able to garner over the abduction of the young actress on February 17 when she was travelling from Thrissur to Kochi by road.

The actor, before being taken to the Aluva sub-jail, said: “I am innocent and I will prove my innocence. I was trapped.”

As a result of his arrest, AMMA and some other associations have decided to remove him as their member. AMMA executives took the decision at an emergency meeting at the house of superstar Mammootty.

Mammootty told the media the new turn in the case and Dileep’s arrest in the matter led the executives to remove him. “Very soon, the executives will meet again. We wish to state that we have always been with the victim and will continue to support her. Please don’t mistake us, we are for the welfare of our members. Let the police go forward with their probe,” Mammootty said.

Present along with Mammootty was Mohanlal, who denied he had quit as AMMA vice president, as well as Prithviraj and other members of the executive committee.

The Producers Association also met and decided to remove Dileep from their body and Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), also decided to remove him from the rolls.

Meanwhile, a new body of the theatre owners which was recently floated by Dileep is also deciding what needs to be done.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the law will take its course. “Anyone who has done a wrong, irrespective of the stature will be proceeded against. The probe is continuing and none who did a wrong will be allowed to escape,” said Vijayan.

Over the years, AMMA, led by Lok Sabha member Innocent (CPI-M), had Mammootty, Mohanlal and Dileep at the helm of affairs along with Left backed legislators Mukesh and KB Ganesh Kumar running the show.

Ganesh Kumar, who vehemently defended Dileep at the last month’s AMMA meeting, Tuesday said that it has now become clear that none can influence the present government. “With the arrest of Dileep, is it not now clear, that all the reports that we were instrumental in influencing the government,” said the actor-turned-four time legislator.