A Kochi court on Wednesday sent renowned Malayalam film director Ranjith to judicial custody. Ranjeet was arrested on Tuesday night in connection with a case of alleged attempt to sexually assault. The director’s lawyer said that Ranjeet was produced at the residence of a magistrate here, from where he has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Ranjith was detained from Idukki district on Tuesday evening following a complaint by a female actress. The actress alleged that Ranjith had attempted to sexually harass her on the sets of the film.
Ranjith was first taken to Thodupuzha police station and later handed over to Kochi Police. After his arrest he was taken for medical examination and then produced before the magistrate. According to the police, the actress alleged that the director called her in a van during the shooting of the film and attempted to sexually assault her. A case against Ranjeet was registered by Kochi City Police a few days ago. The statement of the actress was recorded at the Mahila Police Station on Monday. After this the police arrested Ranjeet. The registration of the case and further proceedings were conducted with complete confidentiality.
Justice K on harassment and abuse in Malayalam film industry. Even after the revelations in the Hema Committee report, Ranjit had to face allegations of sexual harassment. A case was also registered against Ranjith in 2024 when a Bengali actress filed a complaint with the Kochi city police commissioner. The complaint sent through email alleged that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately after she was invited to act in the film ‘Paleri Manikyam’ in 2009.