Police Take Malayalam Director Ranjith Into Custody Over Sexual Assault Claim
Malayalam director Ranjith taken into custody over assault allegation.
Veteran Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan was taken into police custody on Tuesday evening in connection with an attempted sexual assault allegation filed by a woman actor, officials confirmed, in a case that has drawn significant attention across the Indian film industry.
According to police, the complaint was lodged by a young actress who alleged that the filmmaker attempted to sexually assault her during a movie shoot. The incident, she claims, occurred when she was asked to enter a caravan on the film set, where the alleged assault attempt took place. Police say her confidential statement was recorded before formal legal action was initiated.
Ranjith was apprehended in Idukki district while travelling and initially brought to a local police station in Thodupuzha before being handed over to Kochi City Police for further procedures. The investigation is being handled discreetly, with authorities emphasising confidentiality to protect the identity and privacy of the complainant.
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On Wednesday, a magistrate remanded Ranjith to judicial custody for 14 days. When approached by media outside court, Ranjith claimed the allegations were false and that he would seek bail. His legal team stated that he has underlying health concerns, including a history of liver and spine surgery.
The case registered by the Ernakulam Women Police Station includes multiple charges related to sexual assault and allegations of misconduct. Police have formed a special investigation team to probe the matter thoroughly, and senior officials indicated that further legal steps will follow established procedures.
This is not the first time Ranjith, an acclaimed filmmaker known for works such as Spirit and Indian Rupee, has faced accusations of misconduct. Previous allegations from past years have resurfaced in public discourse, though some earlier cases were dismissed or quashed on legal grounds. The latest accusation has reignited debate on safety and professional conduct within the Malayalam film industry.
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