Tollywood actor Sritej, who rose to fame with south film star Allu Arjun’s film ‘Pushpa’, has been accused of physically and financially exploiting a woman. In this case, as per the complaint of the woman victim, a zero FIR was registered against the actor under sections 69, 115 (2) and 318 (2) of the IPC at Kukatpally police station in Hyderabad. The police are investigating this matter.
According to the victim’s complaint, actor Shretej had promised her marriage, so she entered into a relationship with him. After this he exploited her emotionally, physically and financially. During this time, the accused also took Rs 20 lakh from him. The victim also claims that despite being in a relationship with her, the actor was also in a relationship with another woman. They both also have a seven-year-old son.
The victim had first filed a complaint against Shritej in April 2024. But after getting assurance from her family, she withdrew the complaint. Meanwhile, Archana’s husband found out about the relationship between his wife and Shritej. He was so surprised that he died. The victim also claims that despite filing the first complaint at Madhapur police station, no action was taken.
We told you that recently many people in the South film industry were accused of sexual exploitation of women. After allegations of sexual exploitation of female artistes came to light, the Kerala government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Due to allegations of sexual exploitation, two prominent personalities of Malayalam cinema, actor Siddiqui and director Ranjith, had to resign from their positions.
The Justice Hema Committee report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. A Malayalam actress had accused Siddique, general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Film Artistes, of sexual exploitation. He later resigned from the position of Secretary General. He had officially submitted his resignation to AMMA president Mohanlal.
A victim actress told about an incident that happened to her and said, “This incident occurred during a Malayalam film being screened at Neela Theatre. She called me at Hotel Mascot to talk about the film. During the conversation she affectionately called me her daughter, but He was mean to me. I had no idea what was going on in his mind.
“I had gone to that hotel for a professional meeting. I had no idea that all this would happen to me there. When I grew up, I realized that a movie like this had never been made. He sexually assaulted me in the hotel. This whole thing was a conspiracy to catch me. Everything he said was a lie. There are many people like me, who suffered sexual abuse and are alive today.
“He touched me without my permission. When I protested, he kicked me. He is a criminal. He is living a false life. I hope there is a mirror in your house where you can see yourself. If not, I would be more than happy to give it to you. So I can see his true face.” After these allegations, actor Siddiqui resigned from his position.
