Kerala: Row over CPI unit using model Aswathi Vipul's photo on flex without consent

THRISSUR: CPI Kunnamkulam mandalam committee found itself in an embarrassing situation after printing a poster featuring a model without her consent. It was printed in connection with the the party's mandalam conference to be held at Velur. It carried the model Aswathi Vipul's photograph, portraying her as a farmworker, carrying a grass bundle, sickle and steel tiffin carrier.
When someone drew Aswathi's attention to the poster, she filed a police complaint saying that her photograph was used without her consent.
When contacted, CPI Velur local secretary M R Satheeshan said he stumbled upon Ashwathy's photograph when someone sent it a 'Good Morning' message on WhatsApp. "I found the woman's photograph attractive as it looked like a picture of an innocent native farm woman. That is why I selected that picture. I never knew she was a model or star. I am more than 65-years-old, and among current film stars, I know only Manju Warrier and Nayanthara," he said.
He said he had removed the posters when he came to know and had apologised to her over the phone. "We had printed only on flex boards," he said.
However, Aswathi said nobody from CPI had officially apologised to her. "Someone had contacted me this morning, and the call was not audible. It got cut. I tried calling back on that number, but was unable to connect," she said.
"I'm planning to proceed with the complaint. Many people have started asking whether I have become a Communist. I have no political affiliation, and I don't want to be associated with any party. This will affect my carrier," she said.