Top Kerala Film Personalities Seek Legal Shield Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

Actor Sidhique and director Ranjith have approached the Kerala High Court seeking protection from arrest following allegations of sexual offences. These cases come in the wake of the Justice K Hema Committee report highlighting harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. Ranjith and Sidhique deny the allegations, calling them false and motivated.

High-profile Malayalam film personalities Actor Sidhique and director Ranjith have approached the Kerala High Court, seeking protection from arrest after being accused of sexual offences.

Ranjith, facing his first sexual offence charge post-Justice K Hema Committee report, claims the complaint is fueled by disappointment of an actress not being cast in his movie and influenced by vested interests seeking his removal from the Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairmanship. He cites his health issues and insists on not being a flight risk.

Sidhique also rebuffs the accusations, stating that the complainant had previously targeted him with false claims, escalating these to serious rape allegations to ensure his arrest. These allegations come amid multiple FIRs against top Malayalam industry figures, prompting the Kerala government to form a special investigative team.

(With inputs from agencies.)