A rape case has been registered against Malayalam film producer Vaishak Rajan at the Ernakulam North police station. The station sub inspector has confirmed that the case has been registered under Section 376 (Punishment for Rape). "The complaint has been made by a model against producer Vaishak," the SI told TNM. He, however, declined to divulge any more details. The investigation is ongoing.
According to Asianet News, in 2017, a model and aspiring actress was allegedly raped after being lured into a flat in Kathrikadavu in Ernakulam by Vaishak. She was reportedly brought to the apartment under the pretext of being offered a role in a film.
Vaishak Rajan has produced movies such as Role Models (2017), Chunkzz (2017), Welcome to Central Jail (2016) and Padmasree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar (2012). The last movie that he produced was Johny Johny Yes Appa, starring Kunchacko Boban.
Vaishak’s production company is called ‘Vaishaka Cynyma.’ Just two days ago, the company’s Facebook page featured news of Vaishak rebuilding a house for a Chengannur-based man who lost his home in the recent floods that caused much havoc in the state.
In early 2017, actor Dileep was accused of abduction and rape, an allegation that sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry. The survivor's courage to go to the police had been lauded by all, as the industry had been largely silent so far and stories of abuse were believed to be hushed up. The woman's story even led to the creation of the Women in Cinema Collective, formed by actors and technicians of the Malayalam film industry. But when more women began speaking up as part of the WCC during the Me Too movement in India, they were ridiculed on social media and their work opportunities reduced.
Incidentally, Vaishak’s production Welcome to Central Jail featured the rape accused actor Dileep as the male lead.