Kerala High Court rejects bail for actor Sidhique in rape case

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of ​​Malayalam film actor Sidhique, who is accused of rape based on a complaint filed by an actress.

Judge CS Dias denied the request, noting that a detailed order explaining the decision would be issued shortly.

Sidhique, charged under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation), alleges that the complainant has been continuously harassing him and making false allegations since 2019. In his plea, he argues that she has been making unsubstantiated allegations of sexual misconduct since 2016, which has now escalated to an allegation of rape.

Following these revelations, Sidhique resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Several FIRs have surfaced against prominent Malayalam film personalities in the wake of the Justice K Hema Committee report, which exposed widespread harassment and exploitation of women in the industry.

The Kerala government has responded by forming a seven-member special investigation team to probe into the various allegations of sexual harassment against actors and directors.

(With input from agencies.)