Vinayan to file defamation suit

In a press conference held at Kochi on Monday, former general secretary of Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), director Vinayan told newspersons that there was an agenda behind the allegations of financial irregularities raised against him and renowned cameraman Ramachandra Babu.

The allegations were part of the ongoing attack against him by a section of people in the industry, he said. "I am going to file a defamation suit for Rs. 50 lakh against Thampi Kannanthanam, Harikumar, Jose Thomas, and Sreemoolanagaram Mohan (all members of the newly elected MACTA Cultural Forum) for raising baseless allegations," he said.

Vinayan also challenged his opponents to prove the allegations and demanded a probe by a governmental agency into the use of funds by various elected members of MACTA.

Meanwhile, Vinayan has also made an allegation on financial irregularities by former office-bearers of MACTA who had organised a music night to help the family of late musician M.S. Baburaj. He said that there were irregularities in the conduct of the Sangeetha Sangamam by the forum in 1995. Several tickets worth Rs. 1,000 were sold without carrying the official seal of the forum and signature of the elected representatives.

Vinayan said a Rs. 2.5 lakh cheque issued by the forum to the family of the late musician had bounced for want of funds despite earning lakhs through the music event organised with the aim to collect funds for the project.

Stating that the MACTA was a 'cosmopolitan club' having participation of only a select few in the industry, Mr. Vinayan said the committee under his leadership had taken care to launch several programmes aimed at the welfare of its members. The committee had also kept audited statements of its expenditure. "We welcome anyone to verify the documents," he said.