Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested over alleged sexual assault charges after a complaint was filed by an actress. He was sent to judicial custody for 14 days and returned to the Ernakulam Sub Jail in Kerala.
An actress, who is part of his latest film, lodged a complaint with the police, alleging sexual assault.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) reacted to the arrest and questioned the industry's power structures, stating that the industry can no longer hide behind ignorance or inertia.
The collective acknowledged and saluted the young actress's courage for approaching the police and called for the implementation of Internal Committees (ICs) and the prioritization of safety in the industry.
In her complaint, the actress alleged that Ranjith invited her to a caravan during the film’s shoot and attempted to assault her. Based on her statement, a case has been registered under multiple sections, including outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual assault, wrongful confinement and making obscene gestures.
The police said that the survivor was ‘traumatised’ by the incident and had to undergo counselling and psychiatric treatment before she could come forward with the complaint.
