Siddique alleged rape case: Police bring special surveillance in Chennai, Bengaluru to look for absconding actor

The Kerala police have intensified their efforts to locate Siddique, a prominent Malayalam actor who has been absconding following allegations of sexual assault. In a bid to increase public awareness, the state's police chief has ordered the publication of lookout circulars in newspapers across India. Special surveillance has been established in key cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, where Siddique is suspected to be hiding.

The police have taken a multi-pronged approach in the search for the actor, issuing emails to all state Director Generals of Police (DGPs) requesting their cooperation. Additionally, a phone number has been provided to the public through these lookout notices so that citizens can alert the authorities if Siddique is spotted in any state. Notices featuring Siddique’s photograph and contact details of the investigating team have already been published in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka newspapers.

As part of the heightened surveillance, law enforcement has set up checkpoints along Kerala’s borders, preventing Siddique from leaving the state by road. Following more than ten phone calls reporting potential sightings of the actor, police conducted late-night searches in various areas, including a hotel in Varkala. However, these efforts have so far failed to result in his capture.

In addition to deploying search teams, the police have expanded their focus by searching vacant apartments in Kochi, a city where the actor has ties. Investigations have been conducted at the homes of various actors, filmmakers, and other prominent figures in the film industry, reflecting the depth of the probe. Over 20 teams, including a specialized cyber unit, are actively involved in the search.

In parallel with the police investigation, Siddique has filed a petition with the Supreme Court of India, challenging a Kerala High Court ruling that denied him anticipatory bail. He is facing charges under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation). The complaint against him, filed by a female actor, accuses him of subjecting her to a prolonged campaign of harassment and false allegations dating back to 2019. His legal defense claims that the charges stem from an extended campaign of harassment and that the complainant’s accusations have escalated from claims of inappropriate behavior to more serious charges of rape over the years.

The Kerala High Court had rejected Siddique’s bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and emphasizing the need for custodial interrogation to ensure a thorough investigation. The court noted that granting bail could result in tampering with evidence or intimidation of witnesses. The actor’s defense, led by Ranjeeta Rohatgi, has countered these claims, arguing that the case is built on delayed accusations and that Siddique has been a victim of false claims.

The survivor’s legal team, however, insists that the police have not adequately investigated the case, alleging that Siddique’s influence in the film industry may be hampering the investigation. The prosecution supports these claims, asserting that Siddique’s custodial interrogation is necessary to ensure justice.

The broader context of the case is significant, as Siddique resigned from his position as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following the allegations. His resignation followed a report by the Justice K Hema Committee, which revealed widespread sexual exploitation and harassment within the Malayalam film industry. As a result, the Kerala government has formed a special investigation team to look into the allegations and ensure a fair and transparent inquiry.