Actor Baburaj has withdrawn his name from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) elections, where he was contesting for the post of general secretary. Baburaj’s exit from the competition comes after he was scrutinised by other actors and filmmakers for submitting his name amid sexual assault allegations against him.
The actor released a statement on Facebook announcing that he will be permanently stepping down from all activities of the AMMA organisation. “This decision has not been made out of fear of anyone. Over the past eight years of my involvement with AMMA, all I received in return were allegations of abuse and slander,” the actor penned.
Baburaj currently hold the post of general secretary of AMMA. On his decision not to step down after Mohanlal’s presidential resignation after the release of the Hema Committee Report last year, he said, “When it was announced that Lalettan (Mohanlal) would not be part of the committee, I, too, had wished to step aside. But at the time, many colleagues came together and convinced me to stay.”
“Now, however, I find it extremely difficult to continue dealing with these accusations while carrying out organisational responsibilities. I could have been defeated through the electoral process, and that would have been the democratic way. However, what I am facing now is far beyond what I can endure,” he continued.
Baburaj’s withdrawal leaves Raveendran, Anoop Chandran and Jayan Cherthala eyeing the post of general secretary.
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Last year, following the Hema Committee Report, a junior artist in the Malayalam film industry accused Baburaj of sexual assault, alleging that he invited her to his Aluva home and took advantage of her. The High Court granted the actor anticipatory bail in the matter.
Earlier this week, actor Jagadish withdrew his name from the post of president in hopes of seeing a woman take the top post. On his exit, it leaves Shwetha Menon, Anoop Chandran, Devan, Jayan Cherthala and Raveendran vying for the top post.
The AMMA elections are scheduled to be held on August 15.