Malayalam film director Ranjith sent to judicial custody in attempted sexual assault case

Kochi, Apr 1 (PTI) A court here on Wednesday sent noted Malayalam film director Ranjith to judicial custody after he was arrested late last night in connection with an attempted sexual assault case.

Ranjith, who was produced before a magistrate at his residence here, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, his lawyer said.

He was taken into custody from Idukki district on Tuesday evening following a complaint filed by a woman actor, who alleged that he attempted to sexually assault her on a film set.

He was initially taken to the Thodupuzha police station and was later handed over to the Kochi Police.

After his arrest was recorded, he was taken for a medical examination before being produced before the magistrate.

According to the police, the woman actor alleged that the director had invited her to a caravan during the shooting of a film and attempted to sexually assault her.

The case against Ranjith was registered by Kochi City Police a few days ago.

The woman actor’s statement was recorded at the Women’s Police Station on Monday.

Following this, the police proceeded with Ranjith’s arrest.

The registration of the case and subsequent proceedings were carried out with utmost secrecy.

Ranjith had earlier faced allegations of sexual harassment following revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry.

In 2024, a case was registered against Ranjith after a Bengali actress filed a complaint with the Kochi City Police Commissioner.

The complaint, sent via email, alleged that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately with sexual intent after inviting her to act in the film Paleri Manikyam in 2009.

The Kerala High Court had closed the anticipatory bail plea filed by him after the police stated that they were considering treating the alleged offence committed in 2009 as bailable. PTI