Sexual assault case: Kerala HC denies anticipatory bail to actor Siddique, arrest imminent

Kochi: The Kerala High Court dismissed actor Siddique's anticipatory bail plea on Tuesday. This decision marks a significant development in the investigation surrounding sexual abuse allegations against the former General Secretary of AMMA. 

The verdict was delivered by a single bench of Justice C. S. Dias. With this development, investigation officials are likely to initiate proceedings to arrest the actor, who may also move to the Supreme Court.

Senior advocate B. Ramanpillai, representing Siddique, claimed that the complaint is baseless since the actress never raised this sexual assault allegation before. He argued that the complainant has presented a carefully prepared narrative, alleging that the incident took place in 2012.

In contrast, Additional Public Prosecutor P. Narayanan argued that Siddique is concealing critical facts, noting that there is evidence confirming both Siddique and the actress's presence at the Mascot Hotel.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reportedly gathered crucial evidence regarding Siddique’s stay at the Mascot Hotel during the time of the alleged assault. Sources indicate that the team has confirmed the presence of both Siddique and the actress at the hotel during the preview show of the film mentioned in the allegations.

According to the actress, the incident of sexual abuse occurred in 2016 at the hotel. The SIT has completed a thorough inspection of the hotel’s documents and records, led by the Cantonment Assistant Commissioner. They collected information from the hotel’s computer systems and guest register to substantiate the claims.

The actress asserts that her name appears in the hotel’s guest register from the date in question.

The police had officially registered the case against Siddique, if he is found guilty he could face a prison sentence of up to seven years.