Thiruvananthapuram: On Wednesday, police in Thiruvananthapuram filed a rape case against senior Malayalam actor Siddique following allegations of sexual assault by an actress. Siddique, who recently resigned from a prominent position in a Kerala film artists’ association due to the allegations, faces charges of rape and criminal intimidation. The actress claims the assault took place in 2016 at a luxury hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, where she was allegedly attacked after being promised a film role.
In response, Siddique has reported the matter to the police, alleging a criminal conspiracy to frame him. He has contacted his lawyers to request pre-arrest bail, with a plea expected to be filed shortly. Siddique is the second major figure in the industry to be implicated, following an FIR against director Ranjith, who faces charges of assault and criminal force related to outraging a woman’s modesty. Actress Sreelekha Mitra has accused Ranjith of inappropriate touching during a 2009 film discussion in Kochi.
As a result of these allegations, Ranjith stepped down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy on Sunday and is seeking anticipatory bail with other actors and filmmakers consulting senior counsels.
A special investigation team (SIT) formed to handle sexual abuse cases in the Malayalam film industry has so far received 18 complaints from actresses against male colleagues, including senior actors and directors. This wave of complaints follows the release of the Hema Committee report on gender discrimination and sexual abuse in the industry.
The seven-member SIT, which includes four women IPS officers, has begun investigating these complaints. On Wednesday, two female officers visited the home of an actress who has accused veteran actor and CPM MLA Mukesh, as well as actors Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, Congress leader Chandrashekaran, and two production controllers, of molestation or soliciting sexual favors.
Deputy Inspector-General Ajitha Begum and Additional Inspector-General G. Poonguzhali recorded the actress’s statement. “The SIT will thoroughly investigate each complaint. Our investigation has commenced,” Begum stated to reporters.
A police source mentioned that the SIT plans to interview each complainant before filing FIRs, as many of the cases rely on circumstantial evidence due to their age.
The CPM has urged the state culture department to consider removing Mukesh from the Film Policy Committee, which is tasked with developing guidelines to improve the industry, particularly for women facing gender discrimination and sexual abuse.
Additionally, 100 women writers and social activists submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, calling for Mukesh’s resignation as an MLA.
