Ranjith called actress after sexual assault; phone records become key evidence

KOCHI: Police said that phone records have become crucial evidence against director Ranjith in the sexual assault case. They found that he had called the young actress after the alleged incident, but she did not answer the call. Ernakulam City Police Commissioner K Mahesh Kumar said that the police would seek Ranjith's custody again after collecting more digital evidence. Police also clarified that the complaint does not mention any threats made by Ranjith against the actress. His phone has been taken into custody for investigation.

Ranjith was remanded again on Sunday after evidence collection was completed, including in the caravan where the alleged assault is said to have taken place. He had been taken into custody for three days on Saturday. After questioning and evidence collection, he was produced before a magistrate yesterday evening and was remanded to the Ernakulam Sub Jail. The court is likely to consider his bail plea on Tuesday.

Evidence was collected from the shooting location at Aspinwall in Fort Kochi, where the alleged incident took place in a caravan. The investigation was led by a woman Sub-Inspector from Udayamperoor. Statements have been recorded from the caravan driver and others who were present at the shooting location.

Although custody had been granted until Monday evening, Ranjith was remanded earlier due to health concerns. The magistrate's court has directed that he undergo a medical check-up every 24 hours.