Malayalam film director Ranjith has been sent to 14 days in judicial custody following a sexual assault complaint filed by a young actress. Ranjith appeared before a magistrate and is now set to be transferred to the Ernakulam sub jail. His lawyer mentioned plans to file a bail application soon.
Late Tuesday night, Ranjith was arrested, and he experienced physical discomfort, leading to a brief hospital visit. The arrest occurred amidst ongoing efforts to secure anticipatory bail. Investigators had warned Ranjith of potential police action in recent days, prompting his legal team to advise him to go into hiding.
Ranjith tried to avoid arrest by abandoning his vehicle and fleeing in another car with an associate. However, the police tracked his movements, ultimately leading to his arrest in Thodupuzha. Witnesses present during the alleged incident on the shooting set were reportedly aware of the situation but did not anticipate a formal complaint from the actress.
The police delved into various aspects, including potential conflicts over film roles. It was confirmed that the actress had a significant role in the film, with most of her scenes already filmed. After ruling out a false complaint, the police proceeded with Ranjith’s arrest.
Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian expressed strong support for the survivor, emphasizing the government’s stance against any proven wrongdoing. Cherian highlighted that Ranjith held a significant cultural position due to his cinematic contributions but stressed that everyone must abide by the law. He encouraged survivors to step forward without fear of reprisal and assured them of institutional backing.
