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The Malayalam film industry is grappling with a wave of sexual assault allegations, with the recent arrest of veteran actor Siddique marking a significant development. Siddique, known for his roles in over 350 films, has been accused of rape and criminal intimidation by a woman actor. The complaint, filed with the Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram, details a harrowing incident that allegedly took place in January 2016. The actress claims that Siddique lured her to a hotel under the pretense of discussing a film project, which she later discovered to be non-existent. She alleges that he then proceeded to sexually assault her and, following the assault, threatened her.
The case against Siddique was registered under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR was filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry, a probe triggered by the Justice Hema Committee report, which exposed a deeply rooted culture of abuse within the industry. The report, released in July 2023, shed light on the systemic exploitation and harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, prompting calls for accountability and reform.
Siddique, who has maintained his innocence and filed a counter-complaint against the actress, resigned from his position as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in August 2023 following the allegations. However, the turmoil within AMMA has continued. On Tuesday, August 29, AMMA president Mohanlal resigned, and the entire executive committee was dissolved in the wake of the allegations against Siddique and other members. The events surrounding Siddique's arrest have reignited discussions on gender equality and the need for a more robust system of justice within the Malayalam film industry. The allegations have shaken the industry, raising questions about the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the lack of adequate support for victims.
The case against Siddique is being investigated by the SIT, and further developments are expected. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for systemic change within the industry to ensure that women are protected from abuse and exploitation. The allegations also raise broader questions about accountability and the need for a more proactive approach to addressing issues of sexual violence. The arrest of Siddique serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual assault and the importance of providing justice to victims.
Source: Kerala: Actor Siddique booked for rape, criminal intimidation