Sexual assault allegations; Director Ranjith questioned by Special Investigation Team

KOCHI: Director Ranjith is under questioning by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with sexual assault allegation. The interrogation is taking place at the Kochi Coastal IG office and is being led by Coastal AIG G Poonguzhali.

The case against Ranjith stems from a complaint filed by a Bengali actress who alleges that the director touched her inappropriately during discussions about the film ‘Paleri Manikyam’ and insulted her femininity. The complaint led to a case being registered under Section 354 of the IPC, which pertains to assault or criminal force with the intent to outrage a woman's modesty.

Previously, the High Court dismissed Ranjith's anticipatory bail application, deeming the case bailable. Ranjith was granted bail by the Kozhikode Principal District Court in a separate matter involving allegations of unnatural harassment filed by a young man from Bengaluru. The investigation team has indicated that Ranjith's interrogation would proceed after completing statements from the complainants. Ranjith resigned as Chairman of Kerala State Chalachithra Academy after the allegations surfaced.