SIT seeks Siddique's custody for being uncooperative in sexual harassment case probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing sexual harassment cases in the Malayalam film industry based on the Hema Committee report, has sought the custody of actor Siddique after finding him uncooperative in the ongoing investigation.

Siddique found himself before the SIT today at the Cantonment Police station in Thiruvananthapuram for a two-hour round of questioning, during which he reportedly remained silent for most of the time and later informed officers that he was unaware of the current location of his phone, which had been in his possession at the time of the alleged incident.

The SIT, formed to investigate sexual assault complaints raised by women in the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Justice Hema Committee report, is led by Crime Branch Superintendent of Police Merin Joseph. Authorities indicated that no further notices would be issued to Siddique for questioning. Instead, the team plans to request his custody during the next court hearing, given his apparent lack of cooperation.

Earlier, Siddique had appeared before the SIT on October 7, spending nearly three hours with investigators. He had previously expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe via email. However, the actor has continued to deny the charges against him.

The case dates back to August when the Museum police in Thiruvananthapuram filed charges against Siddique under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The charges stem from a complaint by a female colleague, who alleges that Siddique assaulted her at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2016.

Although the Kerala High Court denied his anticipatory bail in September, the Supreme Court granted protection from arrest shortly after. This case is part of broader investigations into allegations within the Malayalam film industry.