The investigation is currently being spearheaded by Ernakulam City Deputy Commissioner of Police, Aswathy Jain. The complainant alleged that the misconduct occurred while she was working professionally with Ranjith. Following the formal complaint lodged with the local police, a probe was initiated, and the actress’s confidential statement was subsequently recorded before a magistrate.
Ranjith has a history of similar legal battles. In 2024, an FIR was registered against him for the alleged sexual assault of a male artist at a hotel near Bengaluru’s airport back in 2012. During the same period, a Bengali actress accused him of inappropriate behavior during the casting process for the film Paleri Manikyam. These back-to-back allegations eventually led to his resignation from the prestigious post of Academy Chairman.
While Ranjith had previously denied the 2024 allegations—claiming the actress was simply bitter over not being cast in his film—his legal troubles have continued to mount. Starting his directorial journey in 2001 with the hit Ravanaprabhu, Ranjith has been a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, winning multiple National Awards for films like Spirit, Thirakkatha, and Indian Rupee. However, these latest developments have cast a long shadow over his decorated career in the Malayalam film industry. (Gulf News)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com