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The Supreme Court of India recently extended the interim anticipatory bail granted to Malayalam actor Siddique in a rape case filed against him. This decision came after a young actress accused Siddique of sexual exploitation in 2016, an incident that allegedly occurred after he promised her opportunities in the film industry. The court's decision to extend the bail was met with opposition from the Kerala Police, who argued that Siddique had not cooperated with the investigation and had potentially tampered with evidence. The police also expressed concern that Siddique's influence within the Malayalam film industry could intimidate witnesses and hamper the investigation.
The victim's allegations surfaced following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which investigated the prevalence of abuse and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry. The report highlighted a culture of compromise and adjustment within the industry, making it difficult for women to come forward with allegations. The victim, who had previously shared her experiences on social media, finally decided to file an FIR in 2024, eight years after the alleged incident. She cited the Justice Hema Committee report as the catalyst for her decision to come forward.
The Kerala Police, in their status report to the Supreme Court, presented evidence that supported their claim of Siddique's non-cooperation and potential evidence tampering. They cited his deactivation of social media accounts and his refusal to answer questions during the investigation. The police argued that granting bail to Siddique would send a negative message about the state's commitment to combating crimes against women and children. The police's concerns are rooted in the potential for Siddique to use his influence within the industry to intimidate witnesses and compromise the investigation.
This case underscores the complex challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry when alleging abuse and exploitation. The victim's decision to come forward after years of silence, inspired by the Justice Hema Committee report, highlights the importance of exposing and addressing systemic issues within the industry. The Supreme Court's decision to extend Siddique's bail, despite the police's concerns, adds another layer to the legal battle and raises questions about the balance between the rights of the accused and the pursuit of justice for the victim.
Source: Supreme Court Extends Interim Anticipatory Bail Granted To Malayalam Actor Siddique In Rape Case