Actor Dileep was expelled from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) after an emergency executive committee meeting of the organisation held at the residence of actor Mammootty at Panampilly Nagar in Kochi on Tuesday.
The meeting followed the arrest of Dileep in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a woman actor in Kochi in February last. Dileep was the treasurer of AMMA.
A statement read out after the meeting said the organisation was with the victim and it would extend all support to her. AMMA also condemned the statements made by a few of its members against the woman actor after the incident. The organisation also praised the government and the State police for carrying out a proper investigation in the case.
The meeting, which began around 11 a.m., was held under tight police security following reports that activists of various youth organisations would stage a march to Mammootty's residence as a mark of protest against AMMA. The association had received brickbats following the stance that it would protect Dileep along with the victim.
Mammootty, who is the general secretary of AMMA, remained silent on the issue at a press conference held after the recent general body meeting of the association in Kochi.
Actors Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Asif Ali, Ramya Nambeesan, Devan, Kalabhavan Shajon, and Edavela Babu were among those who attended the meeting.
Kerala Film Producers Association expels Dileep
The Kerala Film Producers Association has also expelled Dileep.
"Mr. Dileep has been expelled from the primary membership of the association," Kalliyoor Sasi, joint secretary of the association, told The Hindu after an emergency meeting in Kochi.
A general body meeting of the association will be held on Wednesday to hold detailed discussions on the developments emerging in the Malayalam film industry after the actor's arrest.
FEFKA also expels Dileep
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has also expelled the actor from its primary membership.
Sibi Malayil, president of the organisation, said Dileep was a member of the director's union, an affiliated body of FEFKA. He had taken membership in the capacity of an assistant director.
Dileep entered tinsel town as an assistant to noted filmmaker Kamal.
