Swimming pool and bill for food ordered, evidence that tightened noose for Siddique

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the release of the Hema Committee report, many women of the film industry came forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Siddique's was the strongest case in which the evidence was registered. The investigation team had found circumstantial evidence to substantiate all the allegations levelled by the complainant.

The investigation team confirmed that the statement of the actress that she came to the hotel with her parents and friends to meet Siddique after the movie preview is true. On January 27, 2016, at 12 midnight, Siddique took room number 101D at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and returned the next day at 5 pm. Hotel records have been collected. This includes the bill for Siddique's rice, fish curry and curd. Food was clearly mentioned in the actress' statement.

The actress had stated that the swimming pool could be seen from the room where Siddique had invited her. When she was brought for collecting evidence, the complainant showed it to the investigating team. When the bill for the food consumed on the day of the incident was taken, it proved to be true. The details of the complainant's mental condition being disturbed after the incident and seeking treatment at the hospital also indicated that she was harassed. Such circumstantial evidence tightened the noose for Siddique.

Siddique is likely to be arrested after the high court rejected the anticipatory bail plea. The order was passed by a single bench headed by Justice C S Dias. The court had earlier heard the case on the anticipatory bail plea but postponed pronouncing the verdict. The Museum police registered a case under section 376. The case was later handed over to a special investigation team. According to Section 376, rape is punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than ten years and which may extend to life and fine. Under Section 506, intimidation is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.

However, it is hinted that Siddique is likely to approach the Supreme Court to prevent his arrest. He may move the Supreme Court after getting the copy of the verdict.