Malayalam film personalities seem to be caught in a cycle of controversy, with actor Edavela Babu being the latest to be arrested in connection with a rape case. The police took him for a medical examination, which he underwent. He was arrested on September 25 in Kochi by the Special Investigation Team. Since he has already obtained anticipatory bail, he will be released on station bail provided by two individuals.
A case was registered against Babu under IPC Section 376. He was interrogated in Kochi by the Special Investigation Team. The Kochi-based actress filed a complaint against seven men, including four prominent stars, alleging that they sexually abused her at different locations. She stated that Babu and Maniyan Pillai Raju, a well-known Malayalam actor, spoke to her in obscene language.
A case was registered against Edavela Babu at Town North Police Station in Ernakulam based on an allegation by the actress that he asked her to meet him at his apartment. He allegedly promised her membership in AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors). She claimed that Babu spoke to her with sexual suggestions and kissed her neck while she was filling out the AMMA membership application form.
Babu has been acting in Malayalam movies for over four decades. He worked as AMMA’s general secretary for several years.
Meanwhile, Siddique, a Malayalam superstar and former AMMA general secretary, is still absconding in connection with a sexual abuse case. The Kerala High Court reportedly found on September 24 that there is a prima facie case against him, leading to the rejection of his anticipatory bail application. The court determined that the allegations against him are serious and, therefore, he does not deserve anticipatory bail. It also criticised the actor, using sharp language, for raising allegations against the complainant, stating there is no reason to suspect her character. One cannot judge a woman’s character simply because she has experienced sexual abuse.
The Kerala High Court further observed that raising allegations against the victim appears to be a tactic to silence her. The court did not accept Siddique’s argument that it was inappropriate to raise allegations after eight years. However, the Public Prosecutor submitted that there is evidence and witnesses to prove that the accused and the victim met in a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on the referenced date.
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