Malayalam director Ranjith remanded in judicial custody in sexual assault case
Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been remanded in 14-day judicial custody following his arrest in a sexual assault case. A young female actor accused him of sexual misconduct inside a caravan in January.
Malayalam director and producer Ranjith Balakrishnan was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Wednesday in connection with a sexual assault case. He is currently held at Ernakulam Sub Jail. A young female actor filed a complaint accusing him of sexually inappropriate behaviour inside a caravan on January 30.
The director denied the allegations when questioned by the media at the magistrate's residence, implying that a false case had been filed against him. His lawyer supported this claim and informed that a bail application would be submitted to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I.
Ranjith's lawyer also highlighted the director's health concerns, mentioning that he had undergone a liver transplant and spine surgery. Following the complaint lodged by a young female actor with Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, the police initiated an investigation and arrested the director after recording the victim's confidential statement.
The case, registered at Ernakulam Women Police Station, includes non-bailable charges such as assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty (BNS 74), sexual harassment (BNS 75), and acts intended to insult a woman's modesty (BNS 79). A Special Investigation Team led by the Kochi City Police Commissioner is conducting the probe.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on January 30 when Ranjith allegedly attempted to sexually assault the actor inside a caravan at a shooting location. The director was taken into custody from Thodupuzha on March 31.
After his arrest, Ranjith complained of uneasiness and was admitted to Ernakulam General Hospital. Medical examinations detected variations in his blood pressure and ECG readings. However, doctors confirmed that he did not have any serious health issues. Following treatment, he was produced before the magistrate.
Police sources indicated that the investigation team plans to seek custody of the director for further interrogation. The case remains under active investigation.
In 2024, Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra had accused him of sexual harassment. Following the claims, he stepped down as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman. Later, the filmmaker had also refuted the allegations, citing vengeance by a group of people.
There were also widespread calls against Ranjith in the Malayalam industry, urging him to resign as the film academy chairman.
Malayalam director and producer Ranjith Balakrishnan was remanded to 14-day judicial custody on Wednesday in connection with a sexual assault case. He is currently held at Ernakulam Sub Jail. A young female actor filed a complaint accusing him of sexually inappropriate behaviour inside a caravan on January 30.
The director denied the allegations when questioned by the media at the magistrate's residence, implying that a false case had been filed against him. His lawyer supported this claim and informed that a bail application would be submitted to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I.
Ranjith's lawyer also highlighted the director's health concerns, mentioning that he had undergone a liver transplant and spine surgery. Following the complaint lodged by a young female actor with Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, the police initiated an investigation and arrested the director after recording the victim's confidential statement.
The case, registered at Ernakulam Women Police Station, includes non-bailable charges such as assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty (BNS 74), sexual harassment (BNS 75), and acts intended to insult a woman's modesty (BNS 79). A Special Investigation Team led by the Kochi City Police Commissioner is conducting the probe.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on January 30 when Ranjith allegedly attempted to sexually assault the actor inside a caravan at a shooting location. The director was taken into custody from Thodupuzha on March 31.
After his arrest, Ranjith complained of uneasiness and was admitted to Ernakulam General Hospital. Medical examinations detected variations in his blood pressure and ECG readings. However, doctors confirmed that he did not have any serious health issues. Following treatment, he was produced before the magistrate.
Police sources indicated that the investigation team plans to seek custody of the director for further interrogation. The case remains under active investigation.
In 2024, Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra had accused him of sexual harassment. Following the claims, he stepped down as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman. Later, the filmmaker had also refuted the allegations, citing vengeance by a group of people.
There were also widespread calls against Ranjith in the Malayalam industry, urging him to resign as the film academy chairman.
