Hema Committee Row: After Mukesh, Actor Siddique Seeks Anticipatory Bail Amid S*xual Assault Allegations

The allegations against Siddique stem from an incident that reportedly took place at a state-run hotel in the state capital!

In the wake of the explosive Justice Hema Committee report, which has uncovered widespread s*xual exploitation within the Malayalam film industry, prominent actors are now facing serious legal challenges. One of the latest figures to come under scrutiny is Siddique, the former general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). On Monday, Siddique filed a request for anticipatory bail with the Kerala High Court, following allegations of rape made by a female actor.

What Are The Allegations Against Actor Siddique?

The allegations against Siddique stem from an incident that reportedly took place at a state-run hotel in the state capital. The accuser, a well-known female star, has claimed that Siddique s*xually assaulted her, leading to the filing of a lawsuit. This accusation comes amid a broader wave of claims against several influential figures in the Malayalam film industry, as highlighted by the Hema Committee report. Siddique, in his plea for bail, argued that the accuser has been targeting him with harassment since 2019, initially accusing him of attempted s*xual misconduct at a theatre in 2016. He suggested that the recent rape allegation is an escalation aimed at securing his arrest. Siddique’s resignation from his position at AMMA followed shortly after the accusation surfaced, and soon after, the entire 17-member executive committee of AMMA, led by actor Mohanlal, also stepped down, leaving the organization without leadership.

The fallout from the Hema Committee report has been significant, with multiple industry figures now seeking legal protection. Last week, director V.K. Prakash and actor-turned-politician Mukesh also sought anticipatory bail. While Prakash was granted temporary relief, Mukesh’s case continues to be a focal point as it resumes this week.

Also Read: Amid Hema Committee Row, Kamya Punjabi Says There’s No S*xual Abuse In TV Industry. Okay, Then!

More Details On Hema Committee Report

The Hema Committee report has laid bare the deeply entrenched male hegemony in the Malayalam cinema, naming nine prominent industry figures in connection with s*xual misconduct allegations. This list includes directors, producers, and actors, many of whom are now under intense public and legal scrutiny. The impact of these revelations has been profound, leading to a shake-up within the industry, including resignations and visible divisions within key organizations like the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA).

Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Hema Committee Report And Its Proceedings

 

First Published: September 03, 2024 6:30 PM