The Kerala police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend Malayalam actor Siddique following the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Kerala High Court in a serious rape case. A lookout circular has been issued at all airports to prevent Siddique from potentially fleeing the country, as he has reportedly gone into hiding since the court’s decision.
The case against Siddique stems from a complaint filed by a young actress who alleges that he raped her at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on January 28, 2016. This complaint was lodged after the release of the Hema Committee report, which exposed systemic abuse and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The report prompted several women to come forward with their own allegations, leading to increased scrutiny of male figures in the industry.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Siddique were made public after the Hema Committee report highlighted various instances of sexual misconduct within the film industry. The complainant claims that Siddique coerced her into sexual acts in exchange for a role in a Tamil movie. When she refused, she alleges he raped her. Initially, she did not report the incident but decided to take action following the revelations brought forth by the committee’s findings.
The police have stated that they possess substantial evidence supporting the allegations against Siddique. This includes confirmation of both his and the complainant’s presence at the hotel during the time of the alleged incident. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been actively collecting evidence and witness statements to build a strong case against him.
Court Proceedings
On September 24, 2024, the Kerala High Court dismissed Siddique’s anticipatory bail application, which led to immediate police action. Following this decision, Siddique’s legal team announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. His lawyer argued that the allegations are baseless and part of a conspiracy against him. However, prosecutors contend that Siddique is concealing critical facts and that there is compelling evidence against him.
Justice CS Dias, who presided over the case, emphasized that a woman’s experiences of sexual assault should not be used to question her character but should be taken seriously as an indication of her suffering. This statement underscores the court’s commitment to addressing sexual violence claims with sensitivity and seriousness.
Current Status
As of now, Siddique has not been located; reports indicate that he is not at either of his residences in Kochi and has switched off his mobile phone. The police have been directed to proceed with his arrest without delay. Sources suggest that he may remain in hiding until his appeal is heard by the Supreme Court.
The situation has drawn significant media attention and public interest due to Siddique’s prominence in the Malayalam film industry. He previously held a position as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) but resigned following these serious accusations.
Wider Implications
Siddique’s case is part of a larger wave of sexual misconduct allegations that have emerged in Kerala’s film industry since the Hema Committee report was released. To date, authorities have registered multiple cases involving various actors and filmmakers accused of similar offenses. This has led to calls for greater accountability and reform within an industry long criticized for its treatment of women.
The police are expected to continue their investigations vigorously as more women come forward with their experiences. The outcome of Siddique’s case may set important precedents for how such allegations are handled in the future.
