Actor Sidhique is questioned in the sexual assault case

Malayalam film actor Sidhique appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday for questioning in a rape case registered against him.

The SIT led by an IPS officer questioned Sidhique for nearly four hours at the Cantonment police station. Sidhique, who appeared before the investigation team at 9.45 a.m., left Cantonment railway station at 1.45 p.m.

In her complaint, a young actress alleged that Sidhique sexually abused her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on the pretext of offering her a role in a film.

The Supreme Court had granted interim protection from arrest to Sidhique last week after the Kerala High Court rejected his application for anticipatory bail.

Citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for him to be questioned in custody, the Supreme Court rejected his bail application.

Sidhique was booked under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

He claims that the complainant has been harassing him with false allegations since 2019.

This case is part of a wider investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against prominent Malayalam film personalities following the Justice K Hema Committee report on sexual crimes against female actors.

Several FIRs have been registered in connection with these allegations.

(With contributions from agencies.)