Resigned, not expelled: Dileep defends AMMA stance on himself

A few days after AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors) president Mohanlal announced the resignation of Dileep from the association, the actor himself has put out a letter stating he did so to 'prevent a conspiracy to break up the association'.

In his letter, written in Malayalam, shared on Facebook, Dileep states: "I am releasing this letter because it was not out in the public domain after AMMA’s Executive Committee meeting. I am completely aware that as per AMMA’s bye-laws, I can be thrown out only if the highest decision-making body, that is, the General Body, decides so. I am giving my resignation after a long chat with my older brother Mohanlal. I have given my resignation thinking that no one should try to destroy the organisation in my name." 

On Friday, Mohanlal had called a press conference to announce the resignation of Dileep from the actor's body after continued pressure from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). Dileep had been accused in the kidnapping and molestation of a Malayalam actress last year. He was arrested in relation with the case, and spent 85 days in custody. 

The Newsminute.com quoted the actor's statement as saying, "There is a public perception that all actors are rich; this is untrue. Some actors are poor, and AMMA supports them. There is a need for this organisation to stand strong because it supports such actors in many ways." 

The actor went on to state that those accusing him, are actually trying to attack AMMA. 

"Because of these people’s actions, we should not allow an organisation like AMMA to disintegrate. Till now, I have been functioning by the rules and regulations of the organisation, and I am keen to see the organisation grow and wish it well. In order to ensure this, l want to take a decision," he added. 

The actor is currently out on bail.