Actor Siddique Lookout Notice: Kerala Police Intensify Search After Anticipatory Bail Rejected
Kerala Police Issue Lookout Notice Against Malayalam Actor Siddique
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into allegations of rape and criminal intimidation, the Kerala Police have issued a lookout notice against prominent Malayalam actor Siddique. This move follows the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Kerala High Court on September 24.
Background of the Case
The case against Siddique was registered at the Museum Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram on August 27, based on a complaint filed by a young female actor. The complainant alleged that Siddique raped her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram in 2016 and also accused him of criminal intimidation and wrongful restraint.
Rejection of Anticipatory Bail
The Kerala High Court denied Siddique's anticipatory bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need for his custodial interrogation. The court noted that the available evidence suggested Siddique's involvement in the crime, making his custodial interrogation essential for the proper investigation.
Lookout Notice and Police Action
Following the High Court's decision, the Kerala Police issued a lookout notice for Siddique, which was communicated to all district police chiefs in Kerala and other states. The notice was also published in various newspapers with Siddique's photograph. The police have been monitoring airports and border check posts to trace his whereabouts, as he has reportedly gone into hiding.
Siddique's Response and Current Status
Siddique has denied all the charges, claiming they are part of a smear campaign. He has also filed a counter complaint against the complainant, alleging false implication. Despite his absence, Siddique has moved the Supreme Court for anticipatory bail, with the court scheduled to consider his plea on September 30.
Impact on the Malayalam Film Industry
The allegations against Siddique are part of a broader wave of accusations of sexual misconduct within the Malayalam film industry. The release of the Justice Hema committee report in August has led to several women coming forward with allegations against prominent figures in the industry. This has resulted in significant upheaval, including Siddique's resignation as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the subsequent resignation of the entire 17-member executive committee of AMMA.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Vigilance
The Kerala Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively involved in tracing Siddique's whereabouts. The police have also been monitoring his private residences in Ernakulam district and hotels he frequently visits near the Nedumbassery airport. In a recent development, it has been reported that associates of a Kochi lawyer may have arranged hideouts for Siddique, further complicating the police's efforts to locate him.
As the investigation continues, the Kerala Police remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of bringing Siddique in for interrogation to ensure a thorough and fair investigation into the serious allegations against him.