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The Malayalam film industry is currently facing a wave of sexual assault allegations, leading to a high-profile case involving actor Siddique. On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court dismissed Siddique's anticipatory bail plea in a rape case, paving the way for his potential arrest. The decision came after a female actor filed a complaint against Siddique in 2016, alleging that he raped her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. This case gained significant attention following the release of the Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread sexual violence against women within the industry.
The court's ruling was based on strong evidence gathered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the allegations against Siddique and other individuals. This evidence includes the confirmation that Siddique and the complainant were both present at the hotel during the alleged incident. The SIT has also secured additional evidence from the hotel, further bolstering their case. Recognizing the strength of the evidence, the court rejected Siddique's plea and ordered his arrest.
Siddique, facing charges of rape and criminal intimidation, has denied the allegations, claiming that the complainant has been engaging in a campaign of harassment against him since 2019. He also asserted that she had made unsubstantiated claims of sexual misconduct in the past. However, the court's decision signifies a significant turning point in the investigation, potentially leading to Siddique's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. This case underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability within the Malayalam film industry, where victims are finally finding their voices and seeking to hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.