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The Malayalam film industry has been rocked by a new controversy involving actor Siddique and junior artiste Revathy Sampath. Following Sampath's accusation of sexual misconduct against Siddique, the veteran actor has filed a police complaint, alleging that the accusations are part of a larger conspiracy against him. The incident has once again brought to the forefront the issue of sexual harassment in the Indian film industry, a topic that has been widely debated in recent years.
Sampath's accusation stems from an alleged incident that occurred when she was 21 years old. She claims that Siddique, who was then the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), contacted her on Facebook, addressing her as “Mole,” a term commonly used in Kerala to refer to a young girl or daughter. She alleged that during their conversation, Siddique sexually abused her. Following the allegations, Siddique resigned from his position as AMMA's general secretary.
Siddique, on the other hand, vehemently denies the allegations. In his complaint to the Director General of Police, he claims that the accusations are fabricated and part of a concerted effort to tarnish his reputation. He states that his meeting with Sampath happened in the presence of her parents and that no allegations of any physical contact or rape were raised by her in her social media posts in 2019 and 2021. He maintains that the current accusation, which he claims surfaced on August 24, 2024, is a malicious attempt to damage his image.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate and discussion in Kerala and beyond. While some have expressed support for Sampath and her courage in coming forward, others have questioned the timing and veracity of her allegations. The case has also brought to light the power dynamics within the Malayalam film industry and the need for a more robust system to address sexual harassment complaints.
The Kerala Police has confirmed receipt of Siddique's complaint and is currently investigating the matter. The investigation will likely involve interviews with both parties, along with gathering evidence and statements from other individuals involved. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for both Siddique and Sampath, and will shape the future of the ongoing debate on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry.