Actor from his latest directorial venture accuses director of assault on film set; case registered under multiple sections including sexual assault and wrongful confinement.
KOCHI — Prominent Malayalam filmmaker and producer Ranjith was arrested on Wednesday following a sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress, police in Kerala confirmed.
The complaint was lodged by an actor who is part of Ranjith’s latest directorial project. According to police, the alleged incident took place during the shooting of the film at a location in Thodupuzha.
In her statement to authorities, the actress alleged that Ranjith attempted to assault her on the set. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under multiple sections of the law, including outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual assault, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures.
A Thodupuzha police official said Ranjith was initially brought to the local police station before being transferred to Kochi. From there, Ernakulam Central Police took him to Ernakulam General Hospital for a mandatory medical examination, as required under legal procedure.
Prior Allegations
This is not the first time the veteran filmmaker has faced such accusations. In 2024, Ranjith resigned as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy following harassment claims made by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra. He had denied the allegations at the time.
The earlier controversy had sparked widespread reactions across the Malayalam film industry, with several actors, directors, and industry figures publicly calling for his resignation.
Authorities have not yet commented on whether further legal proceedings will follow the medical examination. The investigation remains ongoing.
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