Kerala Police Files Case Against Director Ranjith: Latest Developments and Details

The Kerala Police has registered a case against renowned Malayalam film director Ranjith following a complaint lodged by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, alleging sexual harassment. Here are the key details and latest developments in this case:

Complaint and Allegations

1. Sreelekha Mitra’s Complaint:
   • Sreelekha Mitra filed a complaint via email with the Kochi City Police Commissioner, accusing Ranjith of inappropriate behavior during a script discussion for his 2009 film “Paleri Manikyam”.
   • Mitra alleged that Ranjith made advances and misbehaved with her, making her feel uncomfortable, which led her to decline the project and return to Kolkata.
2. Nature of Allegations:
   • The complaint accuses Ranjith of touching her inappropriately with sexual intent, which falls under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for assault or use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty.

Police Action and Investigation

1. Case Registration:
   • The Kerala Police registered a case against Ranjith under Section 354 of the IPC at the North Police Station in Kochi. The investigation will be led by the Coastal Superintendent of Police

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2. Special Investigation Team:
   • The government has constituted a special investigation team to handle the case, ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.
3. Statements and Witnesses:
   • The probe team plans to record statements from Sreelekha Mitra and director Joshy Joseph, who has been listed as a witness in the case

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Ranjith’s Response and Resignation

1. Denial of Allegations:
   • Ranjith has denied the allegations, claiming he is the “real victim” in the situation and stating that he will face the matter legally.
2. Resignation from Kerala Chalachitra Academy:
   • Following the allegations, Ranjith resigned as the chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy to avoid any adverse impact on the reputation of the Left government.

Broader Context and Impact

1. Hema Committee Report:
   • The allegations against Ranjith are part of a larger context of sexual harassment allegations in the Malayalam film industry, highlighted by the Justice K Hema Committee report.
2. Other Allegations and Resignations:
   • Other actresses have also come forward with allegations against prominent figures in the industry, leading to resignations and further investigations.

Conclusion

The case against director Ranjith marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of the Malayalam film industry regarding sexual harassment allegations. The Kerala Police’s swift action in registering the case and the government’s decision to form a special investigation team underscore the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated. This article provides a detailed look at the case against director Ranjith, including the allegations, police action, and broader context, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the latest developments.