Malayalam Film Industry Shakeup: Actors Mukesh and Sidhique Face Rape Charges

Actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh was arrested in a rape case but later released on bail, while actor Sidhique was denied anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court in a separate rape case. These actions follow the state Culture Ministry's release of the Justice K Hema Committee report, which highlights sexual harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry.

Actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh was arrested on Tuesday in a rape case but was later released on bail. This legal development occurred while another actor, Sidhique, faced a setback as the Kerala High Court denied his anticipatory bail in a separate rape case.

Mukesh, who was interrogated for three-and-a-half hours, was formally arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) but released after securing anticipatory bail from a sessions court earlier this month. The arrest was based on a complaint by a female actor who alleged that Mukesh raped her a decade ago.

Sidhique, who faced similar accusations in a 2016 rape case, saw his bail plea rejected due to the seriousness of the charges. The court emphasized that his custodial interrogation was essential for a thorough investigation. These cases, among others, emerged following revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment within the Malayalam film industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)