Malayalam actor Siddique goes missing after Kerala HC denies anticipatory bail in rape case

Siddique was last seen in public on Saturday as he managed arrangements for the last rites of veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma.

As per latest reports, Malayalam actor Siddique has gone missing after the Kerala High Court denied him anticipatory bail in a rape case filed by an actress. A team from the Kerala Police, investigating the matter, searched for the actor at his two homes but could not locate him.

Siddique was last seen in public on Saturday as he managed arrangements for the last rites of veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Reports suggest that he plans to appeal the High Court's decision by approaching the Supreme Court. A lookout notice has been issued at all points of exit across the country, particularly at airports. Additionally, both of his mobile numbers were found to be switched off.

A police case has been filed against Siddique following a complaint from an actress who has accused him of rape. She alleges that Siddique sexually assaulted her under the guise of discussing a film project. These allegations come at a challenging time for the Malayalam film industry, coinciding with the release of the Justice Hema Committee report.

Also Read: Malayalam actor Siddique resigns as A.M.M.A. General Secretary amid sexual assault allegations

Following these revelations, Siddique, who was recently elected General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), stepped down from his position. Subsequently, the entire committee, led by President Mohanlal, also resigned.

In court, Siddique argued that this actress has been harassing him since 2019, repeatedly alleging on social media that he attempted to sexually assault her at a theater in 2016. After the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, she escalated her claims, accusing him of rape in a different location during the same year.

Others Malayalam actors including Mukesh, Ranjith, Raju, Prakash, and now Jayasurya have all received court relief from arrest. In contrast, Siddique became the first actor to seek anticipatory bail and subsequently be denied.