Malayalam Actor Siddique Arrested in Sexual Assault Case
Previously, SC granted an anticipatory bail to Siddique. (Photo: PTI)
Malayalam actor Siddique was arrested on Friday, December 6, in connection with a sexual assault case filed against him. Despite the arrest, since Siddique had already secured anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court, his custody might be short-lived as he is likely to be released soon.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The arrest follows allegations of sexual assault leveled against Siddique in August 2024 by a female actor. An FIR was subsequently filed against him under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation). In the wake of the allegations, Siddique resigned from his position as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Siddique vehemently denied the accusations in a letter to Kerala police. He stated that he had only met the actor during a film preview screening of ‘Sukhamayirikatte’, which took place in January or February 2016. Siddique claimed the actor was accompanied by her parents during the meeting.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Intervention
The case saw significant development at HIGHER levelas the highest court in the country became involved.
In September, the Supreme Court granted Siddique temporary protection from arrest for two weeks. During a hearing on September 30, a bench headed by Justice Bela Trivedi questioned the delay in filing the complaint, wondering why it took the victim eight years to come forward. During sage proceedings, Siddique was granted relief by the apex court in November; however, the court stipulated that he must surrender his passport to the trial court.
The Supreme Court, while acknowledging Siddique had not been to the police for eight years and hadn’t reported the alleged incident to the Hema Committee, ultimately granted him anticipatory bail with the condition that he fully cooperate with the ongoing legal investigation.
A Wider Context
The allegations against Siddique emerged amid a broader reckoning within the Malayalam film industry. Several individuals from the industry came forward with accounts of sexual assault and abuse, sending shockwaves across the nation.
In addition to the allegations against Siddique, FIRs were also filed against director Ranjit for the alleged assault of a Bengali actress.
Can the anticipatory bail granted to Siddique affect the outcome of his trial?
## Interview: Malayalam Actor Siddique Arrested
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the recent arrest of Malayalam actor Siddique is legal analyst, Mr. Alex Reed. Mr. Alex Reed, thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** As many know, Siddique was arrested earlier today in connection with a sexual assault case. Can you walk us through the details of this case?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. In August 2024, a female actor filed an FIR against Siddique, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 2016. The case was registered under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. [1]
**Host:** It seems like there’s been a lot of legal back and forth in this case.
**Alex Reed:** That’s right. After the FIR was filed, Siddique secured anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court. This means he was granted protection from arrest while the investigation was ongoing. [1] However, his arrest today suggests a development in the case, although the exact details are not yet public.
**Host:** So, what happens next for Siddique now that he has been arrested?
**Alex Reed:** Due to the anticipatory bail already granted, it’s likely his custody will be short-lived. He will be produced before the court soon, where the court will decide whether to uphold the anticipatory bail or modify the terms. [1]
**Host:** This case is generating a lot of public interest and discussion. What are your initial thoughts on the situation?
**Alex Reed:** It’s important to remember that Siddique is innocent until proven guilty. However, these are serious allegations and the legal process must be allowed to run its course. The court will make its determination based on the evidence presented, and we must respect that process.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Alex Reed. This is a developing story and we will continue to follow it closely.
[1] https://www.news18.com/movies/malayalam-actor-siddique-arrested-in-sexual-assault-case-to-be-produced-in-court-9147339.html
(Please Note: This is a sample interview based on the provided information. The actual interview may differ based on the guest’s expertise and perspective.)
