Ranjith granted conditional bail due to health; court notes evidence in sexual assault case

KOCHI: The Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has ruled that there is prima facie evidence in the sexual assault case against director Ranjith. While the court granted bail to the filmmaker under strict conditions, it clarified that the decision was based primarily on health grounds rather than a lack of evidence.

The court assessed that the risk of the accused absconding is minimal, noting that Ranjith recently underwent a liver transplant. Given his medical history, the court determined he is unlikely to flee. However, the prosecution raised significant concerns regarding his potential to interfere with the legal process.

"The concern regarding the influencing of witnesses is serious," the court remarked, acknowledging the prosecution's argument that the witnesses in the case are members of Ranjith's own film crew.

During the proceedings, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail application and alleged that the director was not cooperating with the investigation. The custody application stated that the accused was failing to take medications prescribed by his doctor and had attempted to contact the victim by phone on the day of the assault. Furthermore, the prosecution noted that the phone had been seized for forensic examination and argued that Ranjith would need to be questioned again once new digital evidence is recovered.

The arrest took place on January 28, following a complaint by an actress. She alleged that Ranjith misbehaved with her inside a production caravan at a shooting location in Fort Kochi.

Ranjith was remanded after investigators collected evidence at the site, including a forensic examination of the caravan where the assault reportedly occurred. While he is now out on bail, the court's recognition of "prima facie evidence" suggests the legal proceedings against the director are set to intensify.