Siddique quits Association of Malayalam Movie Artists following assault allegations
What's the story
Prominent Malayalam actor Siddique has stepped down from his role as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
This decision comes in the wake of serious accusations leveled against him by actor, Revathy Sampath.
Siddique confirmed his resignation in an interview with a television channel, stating that he had officially tendered his resignation to Mohanlal, the president of AMMA.
Trigger warning: Mention of sexual assault.
Allegations surfaced
Sampath has accused Siddique of sexual assault
Sampath alleges that this was not an isolated incident, claiming that many of her friends have also been victims of similar misconduct by him in the past.
"There was this Malayalam film which was being screened at the Nila theatre. He called me for a discussion about the film at Mascot hotel. That's how I went there. This happened when I was 21."
"His approach, just like others, was to affectionately call me 'daughter."
Detailed account
Sampath recounts harrowing experiences with Siddique
Sampath provided a detailed account of her experiences with Siddique, stating, "At that time, I didn't realize this was the approach he had. I didn't know this would happen. I went to that hotel with a very professional approach."
"I realized only later, after I became an adult, that such a film never existed. He sexually abused me in that hotel. It was a trap. Whatever he is saying now is completely false."
Allegations
'The price I had to pay...'
She added, "He touched me without my permission. He physically assaulted me, kicked me and trapped me. The face he has put on now is that of a liar. The price I had to pay was my dreams, my time and lots of mental issues I had to go through."
"When I knocked on the doors of justice, nobody gave it to me. Be it anyone, any system, I never got it."
Previous case
Siddique's resignation follows misconduct allegations against Ranjith
Siddique's resignation comes on the heels of similar allegations against Malayalam director Ranjith by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra. She accused him of assaulting her during the filming of Paleri Manikyam in 2009-10.
However, Ranjith has categorically denied these allegations and defended his actions in regional media interviews.
These accusations have surfaced amid growing concerns about sexual abuse and exploitation within the Indian film industry.