September 24, 2024: The Kerala High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Malayalam actor Siddique in a sexual assault case filed against him by an actress. The court’s ruling comes in the wake of serious allegations that have raised significant concerns within the Malayalam film industry.

The case, which has drawn considerable media attention, was registered by the Trivandrum Museum Police in August 2024, following a complaint from the actress. She accused Siddique of sexual assault, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code.

As part of the investigation, the actress provided her statement to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to address incidents of sexual harassment in the industry. In light of the allegations, Siddique resigned from his position as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

In his bail application, Siddique contended that the allegations were unfounded, claiming the actress had made "unsubstantiated and false claims" over the past five years, including accusations of verbal sexual advances dating back to 2016. His plea argued that these repeated allegations were part of a broader pattern of harassment against him.

The court's decision to deny bail underscores the serious nature of the charges and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding sexual misconduct in the film industry. The case continues to unfold, with the SIT actively investigating the allegations and gathering evidence.