#MeToo Row: Rape Accused Siddique Approaches Kerala HC Seeking Anticipatory Bail

#MeToo Controversy: Actor Siddique on Monday approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a rape case filed against him. The actor's legal move comes amid the ongoing storm over sexual harassment allegations, which has shaken the Malayalam film industry. The accusations that have led to FIRs of sexual harassment and rape against several big names in Mollywood came in the wake of the publication of the Hema Committee Report on August 19.

The case against Siddique was filed after the police in Thiruvananthapuram registered an FIR based on a complaint from a female actor.

#MeToo allegations lead to Siddique quitting his AMMA post

Earlier this week, Siddique quit as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) along with its entire 17-member executive committee following serious allegations of sexual abuse made by several female actors against prominent Malayalam cinema figures, including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh.

Apart from Siddique, actors including Mukesh, Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, Maniyanpilla Raju and director Ranjith were booked in sexual assault cases.

How Hema Committee Report led to sexual harassment accusations against Mollywood celebs

The Hema Committee report containing shocking accounts of harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals took the whole industry by storm. The report, made public on August 19, after redacting the names of witnesses and the accused, noted that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors, dubbed as "power group" who dominate and exert control over the industry.

An SIT was formed subsequently which will investigate charges of sexual abuse in the industry.