Sexual misconduct case against Ranjith, secret statement of Bengali actress to register online soon

KOCHI: The confidential statement of Bengali actress, who raised sexual misconduct complaint against director Ranjith, will be recorded this week. The actress will appear before the Alipore Sessions Court in Kolkata. The confidential statement will be given online to the Ernakulam Magistrate Court from here.

The complainant had earlier informed that it would be difficult for her to come to Kochi and give a statement. Following that, the new arrangement was made. The investigation team, who took permission for this, sent the documents to Kolkata through the court in Kochi.

Meantime, the charge sheet is being prepared in the case against Ranjith. The charge sheet will be submitted next week. The charge sheet is filed in view of the fact that more cases need to be registered on the basis of the Hema Committee report.

The actress, a CPM activist, filed a complaint on the unpleasant experience she met from Ranjith during the audition of the movie 'Paleri Manikyam' in 2009. Ranjith called her after seeing her performance in 'Akale'. The audition was held at a hotel in Kochi. She suffered the bad experience while talking about the remuneration, character etc. in the evening. Director Ranjith invited her to his room to discuss the details of the movie. Upon reaching the room, he made unwanted physical advances, initially touching her hand under the guise of admiring her bangles. When he extended his touch to her neck, she was taken aback and swiftly exited the room. Shaken by the experience, she spent the entire night in her hotel room, consumed by fear, she said.

She asked for a return flight ticket but did not get it. She returned to Bengal the very next day at her own expense. She narrated the ordeal to documentary director Joshy Joseph. She said that she did not get a chance in Malayalam films after that. She did not visit Kerala either. The actress said that those who faced sexual misconduct should reveal the names of the accused. However, Ranjith responded that he had not misbehaved with her. She had come for the audition. Ranjith gave an explanation that she was not considered because she was not apt for the role.