Trigger warning: This particular article contains information related to sexual assault that may be triggering for some readers.
After the High Court rejected the anticipatory bail of Malayalam actor Siddiqui on September 24, he moved the Supreme Court challenging the trial court’s decision on the sexual harassment case. The apex court is scheduled to hear Siddiqui’s pre-arrest bail today (September 30). A bench of Justices Bela Madhurya Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma listed Siddiqui’s plea as the 62nd case today.
It is pertinent to mention that the Malayalam actor has absconded from the police, as confirmed by the Special Investigation Team. The police has intensified the search for Siddiqui and has issued a lookout notice against the actor. However, the police have not been able to trace the Nandanam actor yet.
According to a report in Onmanorama, since Siddiqui is absconding, the female complainant who had filed a complaint of sexual harassment against the actor has accused the police of helping Siddiqui go into hiding after rejecting her plea.
The above outlet also reported that the Kerala government will take a stand against the actor in the case and will oppose Siddiqui’s anticipatory bail plea in the Supreme Court. The report also suggests that the government will argue that granting bail to someone like Siddiqui could put the life of the complainant woman in danger.
Let us tell you, actress Revathi Sampath had accused the Malayalam actor of sexual harassment a few years ago. She claimed that not only she faced abuse, but many of her friends also had similar experiences.
As quoted by Onmanorama, Revathi said, “Siddiqui first contacted me through social media. Later, after the promotions of the film ‘Sukhmayirikkatte’, he called me to his hotel room. I was 21 years old then. He sexually assaulted me and even sexually assaulted me.” Locked me inside the room, however, I managed to escape.”
Following his complaint, Siddique resigned from the post of general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). It is noteworthy that the actor has been accused of rape (Section 376) and criminal intimidation (Section 506).
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is suffering from any type of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, do not hesitate to seek help. There are many helplines available for this, remember that you are not alone in the fight.
Also read: ‘She traps rich people…’: Jani Master’s wife alleges woman complainant who filed sexual harassment case against Pushpa choreographer
