Trigger Warning: This article contains sensitive content related to harassment. Reader discretion is advised.The Malayalam Film Artistes Association has taken action following the workplace harassment complaint filed by office worker Athulya against treasurer Unni Sivapal.Reportedly, AMMA president Shweta Menon said the decision to terminate Athulya’s employment has been withdrawn. She also confirmed that the organization’s executive committee decided to grant Unni Sivapal a leave of absence until the matter is resolved.
Athulya approaches the police and labor authorities
As reported by Mathrubhumi News, Athulya, who was working at the front office, approached the Kochi city police alleging that Unni Sivapal subjected her to mental harassment.She also claimed that she was dismissed from her job after filing a complaint against him. In addition to the police complaint, she also approached the labor office requesting action.According to Athulya, the alleged harassment continued for a long time and affected her during and after work hours.
Detailed allegations against Unni Sivapal
Speaking to the media, Athulya alleged that Unni Sivapal treated employees with what she described as a “master and servant mentality”.
“Coco Parameswaran conducted my interview. From the day after I joined, the cashier started talking to me as if he didn’t like me. Later, he would pick arguments every day for one reason or the other. When I was feeling upset, he would portray me as someone with mental health issues. He would blame me for his mistakes and present it that way in meetings. He made me work after normal working hours. Even after I returned home, he kept sending WhatsApp messages and calling me.
“I have proof of the letters sent in the middle of the night,” Athulya said.
The allegations against Coco Parameswaran
Athulya also claimed that she had informed AMMA general secretary Kuku Parameswaran about her difficulties but was advised to cooperate with the treasurer.She claimed that the Secretary-General told her that if she chose to file a complaint, she should not continue to work there. According to Athulya, her dismissal was a decision made to support the treasurer.However, no action was taken against Kukku Parameswaran. Shweta Menon said the executive committee only discussed the issue related to Unni Sivapal and Athulya.
The delay was explained by accepting Ansiba Hassan’s resignation
When the media asked why action was not taken earlier despite repeated complaints, Shweta Menon reportedly said that such matters are dealt with by the executive committee.She explained that the postponement occurred because the committee meeting itself was postponed.In a separate development, Shweta Menon confirmed that the resignation of AMMA Joint Secretary Ansiba Haasan has been accepted. The actress submitted her resignation on February 21.According to Shweta Menon, the Drishyam 3 actress has quit due to personal reasons.