Malayalam actor Rini George has publicly accused a youth leader from a major political party of harassing her with objectionable messages for the past three years. The actor, who made the allegations in a viral online interview, claims the leader invited her to a five-star hotel and that her complaints to senior party officials have been ignored.
While George has not named the accused or his political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has alleged that the individual in question is Congress MLA Rahul Mankoottil. In response, the BJP staged protests outside Mankoottil's office in Palakkad district, demanding his resignation. There has been no official statement from Mankoottil or the Congress party; however, sources indicate that the Congress leadership has requested a report on the matter.
According to the actor, her contact with the politician began on social media. She claims that his inappropriate behaviour started three years ago when he began sending her objectionable messages. She further alleged that he offered to book a room for her at a five-star hotel and asked her to visit.
Rini George also expressed her disappointment with the party's handling of the situation. She stated that despite her complaints and warnings, the young leader continued to receive prominent positions within the party. She recounted a conversation where she threatened to report him to senior party officials, to which he allegedly responded dismissively, "You can go and tell anyone... who cares?" George added that her "image... about them has been shattered" because of their inaction.
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The actor also claimed that the accused leader questioned her about the consequences faced by other political leaders previously accused of sexual harassment.
Despite the gravity of her allegations, George stated she is not planning to file a formal complaint due to "security reasons" and her "lack of faith in the justice system." She emphasised that her purpose in speaking out was not to "embarrass the political party involved" but to support other women who may have been targeted by the same individual.
She clarified that she "did not suffer any assault" and only received the messages, but through her friends, she learned that "several other women faced harassment," and she is "speaking up for them." Following the viral interview, the BJP's protest outside Mankoottil's office led to clashes with police personnel who attempted to clear the area.
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