Actor Siddique Seeks Anticipatory Bail Amidst 'Me Too' Accusations

Actor Siddique approaches Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail amid rape allegations. Reflecting the 'Me Too' wave, the Malayalam film industry faces serious sexual abuse allegations, leading to the stepping down of several prominent figures.

Actor Siddique on Monday sought anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court in relation to a rape case filed against him. This legal move comes amidst the prevailing 'Me Too' wave that has rocked the Malayalam film industry.

The case emerged after Thiruvananthapuram police registered an FIR, following a complaint from a female actor. Earlier this week, Siddique resigned as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), along with the entire 17-member executive committee, after several female actors levied serious sexual abuse allegations against prominent Malayalam cinema figures including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh.

In addition to Siddique, other actors such as Mukesh, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpilla Raju, and director Ranjith have been named in sexual assault cases. These allegations came to light following the Justice Hema Committee report, which revealed distressing accounts of crimes against women in the industry. Outlined in the report, made public on August 19 with witnesses and accused names redacted, is the assertion that 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors dominate the industry and wield significant control.

(With inputs from agencies.)