Revathy Sampath Accuses AMMA General Secretary Siddique of Sexual Assault
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th August 2024
In a significant development within the Malayalam film industry, actor Revathy Sampath has renewed her accusations against Siddique, the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). This revelation comes shortly after similar allegations emerged against actor-director Ranjith, who is also involved in the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
Revathy Sampath, who first brought these serious allegations to light in 2019, has once again asserted that Siddique sexually assaulted her. The incident reportedly took place in 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram, following a preview of Siddique’s film, Sukhamariyathe, at Nila Theatre. At the time of the alleged assault, Revathy was 21 years old.
In a recent media statement, Revathy described how Siddique initially approached her under the guise of discussing a potential role in a Tamil movie that would feature his son. She recounted that Siddique, who had previously addressed her in a fatherly manner, made advances that she did not expect. According to Revathy, Siddique invited her to Hotel Mascot under the pretext of discussing the film offer. It was here that he allegedly made inappropriate and explicit demands, asking if she was willing to make “adjustments” in exchange for the opportunity.
Revathy’s account describes a harrowing experience where Siddique reportedly subjected her to sexual assault for an hour. She recalled that Siddique’s demands included specific and disturbing preferences, reflecting his sexual fantasies. Revathy expressed that she was caught off guard and deeply shocked by Siddique’s conduct.
When Revathy initially raised these concerns in 2019, Siddique reportedly dismissed her allegations, suggesting that she had no means to challenge him. This dismissive attitude has added to the distress surrounding the case, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with such accusations.
Revathy’s renewed claims have reignited scrutiny of Siddique, a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry. The timing of these allegations, following similar accusations against Ranjith, has drawn attention to the broader issues of sexual misconduct and abuse of power within the industry.
The situation has prompted calls for further investigation and accountability, reflecting a growing demand for transparency and justice in addressing such serious allegations. As the film industry grapples with these revelations, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected receive the support and justice they deserve.
The ongoing discourse underscores the importance of addressing sexual harassment and misconduct within professional environments, particularly in industries with significant influence and public visibility. The allegations against Siddique and the previous claims against Ranjith serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in tackling issues of sexual abuse and harassment.
