Dileep Sacked by AMMA, Mammootty Says Actors Stand by Victim

Kochi: Actor Dileep has been expelled by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) a day after his arrest for allegedly plotting the abduction and sexual assault of a top actress.

Top Malayalam actors, including Mohanlal and Prithviraj, met at the residence of superstar Mammootty on Tuesday morning and decided to remove him as treasurer and member of the organisation.

AMMA general secretary Mammooty told reporters that the actor's body withdrew its earlier offer of support and expelled Dileep because of the arrest.

"The victim is also one among us. We have been with her, and we will continue to support her. This is our decision individually and as an association," Mammootty, who was accompanied by the other superstar Mohanlal, said at the press briefing.

The decision would have been particularly embarrassing for many organisation members who have been accused of siding with the powerful actor and shaming the victim. Just last week at the AMMA general body and press meet the organisation had expressed support for Dileep and some members, like actor-MLAs Mukesh and Ganesh Kumar even shouted down journalists who raised questions. Mammootty and Mohanlal have apologised for that.

Another industry body FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) too has expelled the film star.

Dileep, who is one of the top actors in Kerala, has been charged with gang rape, abduction and criminal conspiracy. He was sent to judicial custody and will spend the next two weeks at the Aluva Sub Jail near his house.

"I am innocent, I was trapped. I will prove my innocence," the 48-year-old actor told reporters on Tuesday while he was taken to prison.

Sources close to the investigation said Dileep, out of personal enmity, offered supari money of Rs 1.5 crore to main accused Sunil Kumar a.k.a 'Pulsar'Suni to target the actress.

The popular south Indian actress was abducted and molested in Ernakulam on February 17 while she was on her way back from a shooting location.

A group of men who stopped her car after a chase, sexually assaulted her in the moving vehicle for about two hours. They also allegedly took pictures and videos and blackmailed her before dropping her off by the roadside.