Tue Sep 24 20:05:52 UTC 2024: ## Kerala High Court Denies Bail to Actor Siddique in Sexual Assault Case

**Thiruvananthapuram, September 24, 2024:** The Kerala High Court has denied anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Siddique in a sexual assault case filed against him by an actress. This decision comes after a series of serious allegations that have rocked the Malayalam film industry.

The case was registered by the Trivandrum Museum Police in August 2024 following a complaint from the actress, who accused Siddique of sexual assault. The police subsequently filed an FIR under non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The actress has provided her statement to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate sexual harassment in the industry. The allegations led Siddique to resign from his position as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

In his bail application, Siddique claimed the allegations were false, arguing that the actress had made unsubstantiated claims against him for the past five years, including accusations of verbal sexual advances dating back to 2016. He maintained that these repeated allegations were part of a larger pattern of harassment against him.

The court’s denial of bail underscores the gravity of the charges and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding sexual misconduct in the film industry. The SIT is actively investigating the allegations and gathering evidence.

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