A Special Investigation Team has been formed after the Malayalam filmmaker was arrested over a young actress’s sexual assault complaint. He has been sent to 14-day judicial custody, while investigators widen the probe.
Image Source: X
The Malayalam film industry woke up to another ugly headline, and this time the name at the center of the storm is filmmaker Ranjith.
According to police, Ranjith was taken into custody from Thodupuzha after a young actress accused him of sexually assaulting her during a film shoot. The complaint triggered an FIR on March 28, and investigators say they collected additional evidence before moving ahead with the arrest.
Advertisement
Deputy Commissioner of Police Aswathy Gigi confirmed that authorities were “reasonably convinced” before taking action. After being produced before a magistrate, Ranjith was sent to judicial custody for 14 days. He is currently lodged in Ernakulam Sub Jail.
Advertisement
The case has been registered under multiple sections, including sexual assault and outraging the modesty of a woman. Meanwhile, his lawyer has said they are preparing to move a bail plea.
Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team to handle the case signaling that authorities are treating the allegations seriously.
For many observers, the formation of an SIT sends a clear message that the matter is bigger than a routine complaint.
Pinarayi Vijayan responded carefully when asked about the arrest. He said he was not fully aware of the details and noted that the Model Code of Conduct was in force.
He added that he had only read about the case and had not received any formal complaints regarding the action taken.
What makes this situation more troubling is that this is not the first time Ranjith’s name has surfaced in harassment allegations.
In 2024, he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra accused him of harassment. He had denied those claims at the time, but the controversy triggered strong reactions across the industry.
Actors, directors, and technicians publicly called for his resignation.
Advertisement
