Kerala: Police issue lookout notice against Malayam actor in rape case

The Kerala Police have issued a lookout notice for popular Malayalam actor Siddique in connection with an ongoing investigation into a rape case. The notice was sent to police chiefs in all districts of Kerala, as well as to police chiefs in other states. Earlier, Kerala High Court had denied his anticipatory bail plea, further intensifying the search for him.

The case is currently being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Kerala government, specifically focusing on cases of sexual harassment and misconduct in the Malayalam film industry. The police in Thiruvananthapuram registered the case against Siddique on August 27, following accusations of rape and criminal intimidation made by a young female actor. While Siddique has denied all the charges, stating that they are part of a smear campaign, the legal process is ongoing, and a court order is pending.

The allegations against Siddique have garnered significant attention, especially as they come at a time when the Malayalam film industry is grappling with the fallout of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Over the last few years, the industry has been shaken by a series of revelations brought forward by female actors and crew members as part of the "Me Too" movement.

In the aftermath of the allegations, Siddique resigned from his position as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a powerful body within the Malayalam film industry. His resignation led to the entire 17-member executive committee of AMMA stepping down as well, signifying the gravity of the situation. Siddique’s case is just one among many in a growing list of accusations leveled at high-profile figures in the Malayalam film industry.

The surge in these allegations has followed the public release of the Justice Hema Committee report, a landmark document that details the widespread exploitation and harassment of women within the industry. Commissioned by the Kerala government in the wake of the high-profile actress abduction and assault case in 2017, the report exposes systemic abuse and the deeply patriarchal structures that have allowed harassment to persist unchecked for decades.

The report was finally made public on August 19, 2024, after years of delay, though the names of the accused and witnesses were redacted to protect their identities. The contents of the report are shocking, pointing out that a small group of 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors wield disproportionate power within the Malayalam film industry, using their influence to control not just the narratives of films but also the lives and careers of women who work in the industry.

The Kerala High Court, however, rejected Siddique’s request for anticipatory bail, stating that due to the seriousness of the charges, his custodial interrogation is essential for the investigation.

(With Agency Inputs)