The Kerala Police opposed Malayalam actor Siddique’s anticipatory bail plea, claiming it is an unfair attempt to malign the rape victim. The police highlighted a “stockpile of evidence” against Siddique and stressed the need for custodial interrogation due to his influence, adding that bail would hinder the investigation process.
Kerala: The Kerala Police have raised strong objections against Malayalam actor Siddique’s anticipatory bail plea in a rape case, claiming it is an “unfair attempt to malign the complainant-woman”. In a response filed before the Supreme Court on October 19, the police criticized Siddique’s plea, stating it violates the dignity of womanhood and shows utter disrespect towards the rape victim.
“The unfairness of the special leave petition violating the nobility of womanhood,” the police submitted.
“The intention, apart from getting bail, is to revile and malign a poor rape victim treating her with utmost rancor and disrespect.”
In its status report, the police pointed out the “stockpile of evidence” against Siddique and stressed that he should be arrested and interrogated in custody.
“The investigation process is highly complex and has to obtain evidence from third-party social media intermediaries, which includes Facebook, Skype, etc. The process is a lengthy one and will provide ample opportunities and time for the accused to meddle with the investigation if his pre-arrest bail is extended indefinitely,”
the report stated.
The matter will be heard by the Supreme Court on October 22.
Siddique’s Interim Bail
Earlier, on September 30, the Supreme Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Siddique in the rape case filed against him by an actress. The Court had also sought responses from the Kerala government and the complainant, leading to the police filing their status report.
The police submission emphasized that the actor’s bail plea is not only aimed at securing his release but also at maligning the victim and causing further harm to her reputation. They also highlighted that there is substantial evidence against Siddique, and delaying his custody would hinder the investigation process.
Survivor’s Delayed Complaint
The police further argued that the “inordinate delay” in the victim filing her criminal complaint should be viewed sympathetically by the Court, considering Siddique’s influence and threats.
“These were outbursts of her trauma as stated by the victim,” the police said, defending the delay in filing the complaint. The police also recorded the statements of the psychologist and psychiatrist who treated the victim, both of whom attested that the complainant had indeed suffered sexual abuse and trauma.
“The victim has explained the reason for the delay in coming forth with the complaint … She was skeptical whether anyone would believe or support her at that time,”
the police submission added.
The police also pointed out that internationally, many sexual assault cases are reported years after the alleged incident, and this should be considered in the Court’s evaluation.
Public Reactions and Influence
The police noted that the Supreme Court’s interim bail order has emboldened Siddique and led to inappropriate celebrations by his supporters.
“This celebration, apart from being in poor taste, is a crass and light-hearted mockery of the seriousness of the legal proceedings,”
the police stated. This has “severely demoralized and intimidated not only the victim but also other powerless victims in the film industry.”
Given Siddique’s “influence and clout in society”, the police urged the Court to allow custodial interrogation of the actor. They highlighted that Siddique has been “evasive, contradictory, and tutored” in his responses during the investigation and has not cooperated with the authorities.
Consequences of Granting Bail
The police strongly argued that granting bail to Siddique would send a “dangerous message” and undermine the legal system’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women and children.
“If bail is granted, a message will be sent that the policy of zero tolerance towards crimes against women and children is a mere illusion,”
the police emphasized.
Background of the Case
Siddique moved the Supreme Court after the Kerala High Court rejected his bail plea on September 24. The case against Siddique stems from allegations made by an actress who accused him of raping her at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. The actress alleged that Siddique demanded sexual favors in exchange for a role in a Tamil film and raped her after she refused.
The complaint was filed after the release of the Justice K Hema Committee Report in August 2023, which exposed widespread sexual abuse and gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate sexual abuse cases, including the one involving Siddique.
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