Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith arrested in sexual assault charges, sent to judicial custody: All we know about the case

Prominent Malayalam director-producer Ranjith has been arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed by a young actress, with a court in Kochi remanding him to 14 days of judicial custody.

What led to the arrest

According to police, the complaint was filed by an actress who is part of Ranjith’s latest directorial venture. The woman alleged that the incident took place during the film’s shoot, where the director attempted to sexually assault her on set. Based on her statement, Kochi City Police registered a case under multiple sections, including sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures.

What the actor alleged

As per the complaint, Ranjith allegedly invited the actor to a caravan during the shoot, where he attempted to assault her. Her statement was recorded at a Women’s Police Station earlier this week, following which police moved swiftly to take action. Officials said the case registration and initial proceedings were conducted with utmost secrecy.

Arrest and custody details

Ranjith was taken into custody from Idukki district on Tuesday evening and initially brought to the Thodupuzha police station before being handed over to Kochi Police.

He was later taken to Ernakulam General Hospital for a mandatory medical examination and subsequently produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days.

Case registered under serious charges

Police officials confirmed that the FIR includes charges related to sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Past allegations and controversies

This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such accusations. In 2024, he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after harassment allegations by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra. He had denied those claims.

The controversy had triggered widespread backlash within the Malayalam film industry, with several voices calling for accountability. Additionally, his name had surfaced in discussions following the Justice K Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues of harassment and abuse in the industry.

An earlier complaint dating back to 2009 had also accused him of inappropriate conduct during the casting of a film, though legal proceedings around that case did not progress significantly.