Kerala Film Director Ranjith Arrested Over Sexual Assault Allegations by Actress
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the Malayalam film industry, noted director Ranjith was arrested by Kochi City Police following a formal complaint lodged by a woman actor. The actress alleged that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault her on the set of an ongoing film. According to official reports, the police swiftly registered the case, took the director into custody, and remanded him to judicial custody for a period of 14 days.
Women in Cinema Collective Issues Strong Condemnation
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) reacted strongly to the arrest, releasing a detailed statement on their Instagram account. The collective expressed deep distress over the incident, questioning why safety mechanisms remain ineffective despite existing court orders and policies.
"Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function," the WCC statement read.
The collective highlighted that they had fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring the presence of an Internal Committee (IC) on every film set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. "The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it a lack of will, lack of awareness, or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist merely on paper," they added.
In a firm call to action, the WCC stated, "The industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia. Implement ICs. Follow POSH. Prioritise safety. If cinema wishes to reflect society, it must also model a workplace that is safe, equitable, and dignified for all."
Details of the Allegation and Arrest
As reported by Mathrubhumi, the actress claimed that Ranjith invited her to a caravan during the shooting of his ongoing film. The incident reportedly occurred on the set, with police later locating the caravan as part of their investigation. Ranjith was arrested from Thodupuzha while allegedly attempting to evade custody, adding a dramatic twist to the case.
Suspension and Past Allegations Against the Director
Following the arrest, Ranjith was suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala, marking a significant professional setback. This is not the first time the director has faced such serious allegations.
In 2024, he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after claims were made by a Bengali actor. At that time, Ranjith had denied those allegations. Recently, after his arrest, the Bengali actor referred to her own 2009 allegation during an audition for the film 'Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha'.
The actress told Asianet News, "Karma is a bitch, it leaves nobody. Whatever goes around comes around. He may be an acclaimed director or a famous figure, but this recent incident proves that he is essentially not a good human being."
She explained the delay in coming forward earlier, stating, "Back then, I knew no one. Social media was not that relevant. My case was kind of nullified because of time constraints and technical issues. Maybe he thought he would go scot-free yet again. But no."
Ongoing Police Probe and Legal Developments
According to Reporter TV, the police are also examining the roles of actor Bobby Kurian and assistant director Shalini, who were reportedly with Ranjith during travel. The duo was initially let go but may face questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as the probe intensifies. Ranjith’s lawyer has indicated plans to file a bail plea soon, setting the stage for a legal battle ahead.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.
