Kochi, July 2, 2026
The legal battle arising out of actress Ansiba Hasan’s allegations of sexual, communal and online harassment within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has widened, with the actress moving court against the alleged inaction of the Palarivattom Police on her complaint against actresses Lakshmi Priya and Swetha Menon, even as actor Tini Tom faces criminal proceedings following a court intervention.
Ansiba approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court after alleging that the Palarivattom Police failed to register a case on her complaint accusing Lakshmi Priya of defaming her through an online media platform.
She also contended that no action had been taken on her complaint against actress Swetha Menon.
The fresh court move comes days after the same court directed the registration of a criminal case against actor Tini Tom, rejecting the police’s earlier conclusion that no offence was made out.
The Kadavanthra Police have since registered a case against Tini Tom under non-bailable provisions in connection with Ansiba’s complaint alleging that he publicly humiliated her during rehearsals for AMMA’s family gathering held at the Regional Sports Centre, Kadavanthra, on February 13.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Tini Tom allegedly referred to Ansiba as a ‘jihadi’ and a religious extremist and made obscene and sexually offensive remarks in the presence of several members of the film fraternity.
While examining the matter, the Magistrate Court found the police report recommending against registering a case, to be incomplete.
The court also rejected the Investigating Officer’s conclusion that the alleged ‘jihadi’ remark was made merely in jest, observing that there was prima facie material warranting criminal investigation.
The court further noted that the witness statement of actress Neena Kurup supported the allegations against Tini Tom, strengthening the case for registration of an FIR.
Following the court’s order, the Kadavanthra Police registered the case and are expected to summon Tini Tom for questioning.
The actor is understood to be consulting legal experts on approaching the Kerala High Court seeking to have the FIR quashed before any coercive action is initiated.
Meanwhile, the Magistrate Court has directed the Station House Officer of the Palarivattom Police Station to submit a detailed report on the action taken on Ansiba’s complaint against Lakshmi Priya and Swetha Menon by July 9.
The developments have intensified the controversy within AMMA, with the legal proceedings now extending beyond the allegations against Tini Tom to encompass claims of online defamation and the alleged failure of the police to act on related complaints.(Agency)
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