Kochi Police Detail Evidence in Ranjith Sexual Harassment Case, Await CCTV Footage
In a significant development in the sexual harassment case against director Ranjith, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Aswathy Jiji, who is leading the investigation, provided crucial updates on the evidence collection process. The officer confirmed that the director's phone has been seized as part of the evidence, revealing that Ranjith made a call to the survivor's phone after the alleged incident occurred.
Call Records and Witness Accounts Under Scrutiny
DCP Aswathy Jiji stated, "After the survivor left the set, the accused called her. It could be to ask her to return to the set," emphasizing that this is currently only an entry in the call records and requires further investigation. She added that it does not appear the survivor attended the call, based on preliminary findings.
Furthermore, the officer disclosed that there are some witness accounts indicating the presence of both the accused and the survivor in the caravan at the time of the incident. However, she stressed that these accounts need to be thoroughly investigated and corroborated with other evidence to establish the facts conclusively.
CCTV Evidence Challenges and Investigation Status
A key hurdle in the case is the lack of CCTV footage from inside the caravan. DCP Jiji explained that there are no CCTV cameras installed within the caravan, and the police are exploring other possibilities to obtain such footage from surrounding areas or alternative sources. This aspect remains a critical part of the ongoing investigation.
Regarding the survivor's actions, the officer noted that the survivor shared the matter with others on the set shortly after the incident. However, she clarified that it is ultimately up to the survivor to decide when to formally file a complaint, respecting her autonomy in the legal process.
Evidence Collection and Custody Considerations
DCP Aswathy Jiji indicated that the evidence collection phase is more or less complete, but highlighted a strategic delay in seeking custody of the accused. "Considering the need for election security arrangements, the accused will be sought in custody at a later stage if the requirement arises," she said, pointing to logistical priorities amid ongoing election duties.
In related legal proceedings, director Ranjith was remanded back to judicial custody on Sunday, following earlier hearings. His bail application is likely to be considered on Tuesday, as the case continues to unfold in the courts.
The investigation remains active, with police focusing on verifying witness statements, analyzing call records, and pursuing potential CCTV evidence to build a robust case. The updates underscore the complexities involved in handling such high-profile allegations while balancing legal protocols and external factors like election security.
