Ranjith seeks interim bail in Kerala High Court

Ranjith on IFFK. (Photo: KB jayachandran)

Ranjith claimed in his application that the complaint was prompted by the female actor’s disappointment at not being cast in the film. He further alleged that the conversation in question took place in the presence of other crew members.

Stressing his ongoing medical treatment and fear of imminent arrest, Ranjith has requested the court to protect him from police arrest.

Also read: Bengali actor accuses Malayalam director Ranjith of ‘inappropriate behaviour’

Allegations and the investigation

The Bengal-based actor claimed that he invited her to audition for a role in the Malayalam film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009) the director touched her arm in a way that felt inappropriate.

The actress said he played with her bracelets and stroked her hair. When he tried to touch her neck, she left the room. The next day, the actor was told she would not be in the film.

However, she indicated that there was no question of sexual abuse, but that Ranjith’s behaviour gave the impression that there was indeed such an intention.

The case gained more attention when a special investigation team recorded a statement from Father Augustine Vattoli, who was informed about the incident by Joshi Joseph, a screenwriter and close associate of the actor.

Although Joshi had passed the information on to Father Augustine at the time, it was not made public until after the complaint was filed.

Father Augustine’s statement was later recorded in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Other cases against Ranjith

In a similar development, Ranjith is facing a fresh case of sexual harassment filed by the Kasaba police in Kozhikode.

This complaint was filed by a young man from Kozhikode, which led to an FIR (Fire Internal Revenue Service) against Ranjith over allegations of sexual harassment.

The director’s legal troubles have been compounded by the many allegations that have been levelled, raising major questions about the further implications for his career and the Malayalam film industry.

The release of the Justice K Hema Commission report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has sparked a storm of protest. Several female actors have come forward with disturbing stories of abuse they faced at the hands of their male counterparts.

The Kerala government formed the Justice Hema Committee after the 2017 actress sexual assault case. The report revealed cases of harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam cinema industry.

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)