Legal Heat Intensifies on Malayalam Actors Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Legal actions have been intensified against Malayalam actors Sidhique and Mukesh. The Kerala High Court denied Sidhique's bail plea in a 2016 rape case, prompting a manhunt. Mukesh, an MLA, was arrested but quickly released on bail. These cases arise following selective revelations from the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam film industry.

Legal actions against prominent Malayalam actors Sidhique and Mukesh escalated on Tuesday after the Kerala High Court denied Sidhique's bail plea in a 2016 rape case involving a young actress, while Mukesh was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for allegedly sexually assaulting another female actor a decade ago.

Although Mukesh, a ruling CPI(M) MLA, secured bail from a Kochi court and was released after his formal arrest, Sidhique is reportedly evading capture, prompting police to initiate a manhunt.

These developments come in the wake of revelations from the Justice K Hema Committee report, which was released by the state Culture Ministry, highlighting instances of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)