Noose tightens for Ranjith, booked under non-bailable section; 14 complaints to be handed over to special investigation team

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As allegations and complaints of sexual harassment against prominent figures in the film industry continue to rise, the police on Monday registered a case against director Ranjith under IPC section 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) based on a complaint by a Bengali actress. The charges are non-bailable, and he will have to apply for anticipatory bail to avoid arrest.

The actress sent the complaint via email to Kochi City Police Commissioner S. Shyam Sundar on Monday evening. Following this, the complaint was handed over to the Ernakulam North Police and an FIR was registered at around 8.30 pm. Earlier, Ranjith was forced to resign as the chairman of the Chalachitra Academy following the allegations raised by the actress.

Additionally, 13 complaints received by the DGP and one complaint received by the Chief Minister will be handed over to the special investigation team. The special team will decide on the arrest and further proceedings. The team has collected information from the young actress who made sexual harassment allegations against Siddique. The police will register a case after recording the statement in detail.

The special team will personally meet those who have come forward with revelations, take their statements, and file cases. The team comprising women officers DIG S. Ajitha Begum, SPs G. Poonkuzhali, Merin Joseph, and Aishwarya Dongre will record the statements. ADGP H. Venkatesh and IG G. Sparjan Kumar will supervise the probe. The team will hold an online meeting today. Those who have faced harassment can confidentially submit their statements to the special team. If there is conclusive evidence, cases can be registered even in the absence of a formal complaint. The primary sections being considered are IPC 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and 376 (assault).