Thu Sep 26 18:54:39 UTC 2024: ## Malayalam Actor Siddique on the Run, Police Launch Nationwide Search

**Kochi, Kerala** – A nationwide manhunt is underway for Malayalam actor Siddique, who has absconded after being accused of rape. Police have issued lookout circulars in newspapers across India and have contacted state DGPs for assistance. Special surveillance teams have been deployed in Chennai and Bengaluru, while border checkpoints are being monitored to prevent Siddique from leaving Kerala.

The actor remains at large for the second day, despite police conducting searches at various locations, including hotels, apartments, and farmhouses. Ten teams are actively searching for Siddique, along with a cyber unit, following over ten reports of alleged sightings.

Meanwhile, Siddique has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Kerala High Court’s decision to deny him anticipatory bail. The High Court cited the seriousness of the allegations and the need for custodial interrogation to ensure proper investigation. The court also expressed concerns about potential witness intimidation and evidence tampering.

Siddique denies the rape accusation, claiming the complainant, a fellow actor, is harassing him with false accusations. He alleges a campaign of harassment dating back to 2019, escalating from unsubstantiated allegations to a rape charge. The complainant’s legal team, however, argues that the police investigation has been hampered by the actor’s influence.

The charges against Siddique are part of a broader investigation into sexual harassment and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry, following the Justice K Hema Committee’s report. The Kerala government has formed a special investigation team to probe these allegations.

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