Wed Sep 25 10:55:20 UTC 2024: ## Malayalam Actor Siddique Sought by Police After Rape Case Bail Denied

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:** Malayalam actor Siddique is currently on the run after the Kerala High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in a rape case on Tuesday, September 24. The court cited strong prima facie evidence indicating Siddique’s involvement in the crime and declared custodial interrogation “inevitable.”

The Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram had filed charges against Siddique on August 27 following a complaint filed by a young actor alleging rape and criminal intimidation. The High Court emphasized the need for Siddique’s interrogation, especially since he “totally denies” the incident. The court also expressed concern that Siddique might intimidate witnesses and tamper with evidence.

The survivor alleges that Siddique invited her to a hotel and sexually assaulted her. While Siddique has denied the allegations, he has since resigned from his position as general secretary of the Association of the Malayalam Movie Artistes (A.M.M.A.).

This case comes in the wake of the recent release of the Justice Hema Committee report, which detailed rampant sexual harassment and human rights violations in the Malayalam film industry. The report has sparked a new wave of #MeToo allegations, with many women actors publicly sharing their own experiences of harassment.

Siddique is reportedly seeking a Supreme Court review of the High Court’s decision on Wednesday, September 25. However, the Kerala police are actively searching for him and are expected to pursue his arrest.

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