'Carefully omitted Shankar's name, suspicious'; Director Ranjith offers explanation in court

KOCHI: Malayalam film director Ranjith on Tuesday sought anticipatory bail in the sexual assault complaint filed by a Bengali actress. In the petition filed in the high court, Ranjith said he was innocent and doubted ulterior motives behind the nature of filing a complaint 15 years after the alleged incident.

The actress, who is also a CPM activist, said she faced sexual misconduct from Ranjith during the audition for the movie 'Palerimanikyam' in 2009. Following this, Ranjith approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the case registered by the Ernakulam North Police.

Ranjith alleged that the cause of the complaint was resentment and disappointment for not being selected to act in the film. The director alleged the controversy to have been fueled by some vested interests to remove him from the post of chairman of the Film Academy.

Most of the space in the apartment mentioned in the complaint is used for office purposes. It is said that associate directors Shankar Ramakrishnan, Girish Damodaran, producer Zubair and office assistant Biju were present along with the director during the entire time of audition inside the apartment.

"Shankar Ramakrishnan discussed the film with the actress. The clear omission of Shankar’s name from her statement also raises suspicion about an ulterior motive. It was just recently that I underwent a liver transplant. I am suffering from many ailments. There is no need to take me into custody for interrogation as I am willing to cooperate with any investigation.

For the last 37 years, I have been part of this industry without allowing any gossip, controversies or other allegations to taint my repute." said Ranjith.