Nationwide manhunt for Malayalam actor Siddique intensifies amid rape allegations
What's the story
The Kerala Police have ramped up their nationwide search for prominent Malayalam actor Siddique, who is currently evading arrest following serious sexual assault allegations.
To enhance public vigilance, the state's police chief has mandated the publication of lookout circulars in newspapers throughout India.
Special surveillance measures are now in place in major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru where Siddique is believed to be hiding.
Search strategy
Police employed multi-faceted strategy to locate Siddique
The police are employing a comprehensive strategy in their quest to find Siddique.
This includes issuing emails to all state Director Generals of Police (DGPs) seeking their assistance and providing a phone number through lookout notices for citizens to report any sightings of the actor.
Notices featuring Siddique's photograph and contact details of the investigating team have been published in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka newspapers.
Surveillance measures
Border checkpoints and property searches part of heightened surveillance
In addition to publishing lookout notices, law enforcement has established checkpoints along Kerala's borders to prevent Siddique from exiting the state by road.
Following over 10 phone calls reporting potential sightings of the actor, police conducted late-night searches in various locations, including a hotel in Varkala.
The search for Siddique has extended to vacant apartments in Kochi—a city where the actor has connections.
However, these efforts have not yet led to his capture.
Legal battle
Siddique challenged HC ruling, faces serious charges
Meanwhile, Siddique has petitioned the Supreme Court of India, challenging a Kerala High Court ruling that denied him anticipatory bail.
He is facing charges under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
The complaint against him was filed by a female actor who accuses him of subjecting her to a prolonged campaign of harassment and false allegations dating back to 2019.
Legal arguments
Siddique's defense claimed victimization, prosecution demands custodial interrogation
Siddique's defense, led by Ranjeeta Rohatgi, has argued that the case is based on delayed accusations and that Siddique has been a victim of false claims.
However, the survivor's legal team insists that the police have not adequately investigated the case. They allege that Siddique's influence in the film industry may be obstructing the investigation.
The prosecution supports these claims, asserting that Siddique's custodial interrogation is necessary to ensure justice.