The Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against veteran Malayalam actor Siddique, accusing him of raping an aspiring actress at a hotel in 2016. The FIR also includes allegations of illegal detention and threats made by Siddique toward the woman. The accusations carry serious legal implications, including potential arrest and remand.
In a statement issued on August 27, 2024, Siddique denied the allegations and indicated that his legal team would seek anticipatory bail from the Principal Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram.
The accusations against Siddique are part of a broader wave of allegations within the Malayalam film industry. This surge in reports followed the release of the 2019 Hema Committee report, which exposed numerous cases of sexual exploitation within the industry. The report triggered a significant response, with several women sharing their experiences of abuse through various media channels.
In response to these developments, the government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising four women IPS officers. The SIT has received multiple complaints from survivors, leading to the registration of several cases.
On August 26, 2024, the Kochi police also charged former Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairperson and director Ranjith with outraging the modesty of a social activist and actress from West Bengal. Ranjith has denied the allegations and plans to pursue legal action. The controversy surrounding him led to his removal from the academy chairmanship.
Additionally, another actress has accused Mukesh, a two-time CPI(M) legislator from Kollam, of attempting to coerce her into sexual submission. This accusation has sparked calls for Mukesh’s resignation and has led to protests organized by the Congress and BJP.
To date, 17 sexual abuse cases have been filed across various police stations in Kerala, involving mostly lesser-known actors, make-up assistants, and aspiring cinema professionals. The State police have instructed Station House Officers (SHOs) to transfer these cases to the SIT for further investigation.
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