Siddique asserts that Sampath has made multiple, inconsistent allegations against him over time, suggesting ulterior motives behind her claims.
Published Aug 26, 2024 | 2:21 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 26, 2024 | 2:21 PM
Actor Siddique.
Malayalam actor Siddique has lodged a formal complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP) against actress Revathy Sampath, alleging that her accusations against him are part of a broader agenda.
Siddique’s complaint comes in response to recent allegations made by Sampath, which led to his resignation from the position of general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
Refuting the allegations, in his complaint, Siddique has requested a thorough investigation into Sampath’s allegations.
Siddique asserts that Sampath has made multiple, inconsistent allegations against him over time, suggesting ulterior motives behind her claims.
The allegations range from verbal abuse to sexual assault, with Sampath reportedly even suggesting that Siddique had committed sexual abuse against her before she turned 18.
Addressing a specific claim by Sampath, which alleged that he had taken inappropriate photographs of a fellow student during a medical study trip in China, Siddique said it is unfounded and he had only met Sampath once at a film preview show in early 2016.
Emphasizing that there was no such incident during their brief encounter, Siddique aims to clear his name and address what he believes to be a targeted campaign against him.
The DGP has been urged to scrutinize the allegations meticulously to determine the truth behind Sampath’s claims and ensure justice in this high-profile case.
The controversy began when Revathy Sampath accused Siddique of sexual misconduct. In 2019, Revathy opened up about Siddique’s actions but nobody trusted her.
She once again challenged the actor who had on Friday said that there was no casting couch in Malayalam cinema and the perpetrators are criminals too.
Recalling the incident Revathy said that the incident happened in 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram after a preview of Siddique’s film ‘Sukhamariyathe‘ at Nila Theatre. Revathy was then 21.
She told the media that Siddique had contacted her to talk about an offer in a Tamil movie that would feature his son. Revathy said that he affectionately addressed her as a daughter and hence she did not doubt him initially.
The actress said that Siddique allegedly urged her to make “adjustments”.
“He’s a criminal. He subjected me to sexual assault for an hour. He asked me to come to Hotel Mascot to discuss the offer. I was caught unaware when he asked me immediately whether I was ready for adjustments,” Revathy said.
The allegations have led to a police complaint against the senior actor by a third party. Revathy however said she is not filing a case against the senior actor and would review her decision only if the government gave her surety that she would get support for the legal battle.
The complaint, lodged with the Kochi City Police Commissioner, accused Siddique of offences warranting charges including the Sections in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The complaint also calls for action against director Ranjith who faces similar allegations.
The complainant, a resident of Vytilla in Kochi urged the authorities to investigate allegations against both Siddique and Ranjith thoroughly.
Kochi City Police Commissioner S Syamsundar IPS told South First that the complaint has been registered by a third party.
He emphasised that for further action, the complainant needs to provide a witness statement.
“Since this is a rape case, the victim must come forward to proceed with legal actions. The victim in the Siddique case has previously stated in interviews that she is not interested in pursuing legal action. if anyone approaches the police seeking justice, a thorough inquiry will be conducted,” Syamundar said.
He said the police are currently reviewing the complaint and preparing to take appropriate action based on the developments.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)