“If bail is granted a message will be sent that the policy of zero tolerance towards crime against women and children is a mere illusion,” Kerala Police to SC in Rape Case Against a Malayalam Actor

In a recent development, in a rape case registered against Malayalam actor Siddique based on allegations made by a young actress, a status report by the Kerala Police has been filed today. Through the report, it has been determined that the petitioner is an extremely influential person in the Malayalam film industry. It also revealed his ill intent to destroy the evidence as well as threaten witnesses in the current case. The report reads, “Even though the investigation at the initial stage, there is a stockpile of evidence against him. Considering the influence and clout of the accused some of the evidence will be tampered and witnesses will be threatened. The witnesses who have boldly come forward after the Justice Hema Commission report, will step back if the interim protection to the accused is indefinitely prolonged. The custodial interrogation of the petitioner is absolutely necessary in this case for the reasons reported. Moreover, if bail is granted a message will be sent that the policy of zero tolerance towards crime against women and children is a mere illusion. Considering these factors, the petitioner's influence, the risk to the integrity of the investigation, and the broader public interest in cases involving crimes against women are strong grounds for opposing bail.” 

The report also states, “In fact, it is learnt that the accused went underground a day before his bail plea was dismissed, in anticipation of the court order. A Lookout Notice was issued on 25. 09.2024 after the petitioner absconded. He re-surfaced only after a week once the Supreme Court granted the interim protection. All this highlights the unwillingness of the accused to cooperate with the investigating agency, and also bide time to destroy evidence and turn circumstances in his favor.” It added, “It is also absolutely necessary to verify the complaint lodged by the accused Siddique before the State Police Chief, Kerala, through email on 26.08.2024. By going through the complaint of Siddique, the Hon'ble Court will be overwhelmed to understand that he had at several occasions partially admitted his role in the alleged incident.” The report also sought “The custodial interrogation of the petitioner is vital to the case for unearthing the exact sequence of events that have unfolded in the last 8 years, and also for recovery of the digital devices which the petitioner has used to contact the victim.” 

Furthermore, the report states, “The petitioner in the SLP is an extremely influential person in society, with wealth, power and clout. He commands a leading position in the Malayalam film industry and has the entire industry under his control. He was a member and former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, an organization that centralized all power in the movie industry. He has acted in over 350 Malayalam movies. The petitioner has the ability to obstruct the course of justice and scuttle the investigative machinery. It is prayed that the Hon'ble Court should not give precedence to his personal liberty over the threat of disrupted investigation. If bail is granted to the petitioner, the victim will be deprived of the right to a free and fair investigation owing to the immense might wielded by the petitioner.” Lastly, the Kerala Police sought cancellation of interim protection against Malayalam Actor Siddique. The report reads, “The Hon'ble Supreme court order granting interim relief to the petitioner has emboldened the accused leading his fans to celebrate by distributing sweets on the day the bail matter was first heard in the Supreme Court. This celebration , apart from being in poor taste, is a crass and light hearted mockery of the seriousness of the legal proceedings that are underway against the petitioner who has been accused of a very grave offence. This has severely demoralized and intimidated not only the victim but also other powerless victims in the film industry who were warily waiting to see the outcome of the proceedings of the anticipatory bail hearing as the case is being widely reported upon by the media and attracting much public attention.”