Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith was arrested by Kerala Police on Tuesday in connection with a sexual assault complaint filed by an actress.
Ranjith was taken into custody in Thodupuzha while reportedly travelling to Idukki as part of campaigning activities for the upcoming Assembly elections. He was later brought to Ernakulam, where the case has been registered at the Ernakulam Central Police Station.
According to the complaint, the actress alleged that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault her inside a caravan during the shooting of a film he was directing. The incident reportedly took place at a shooting location, and the complaint was initially submitted to the Director General of Police and a Special Investigation Team.
The investigation is currently being led by Ernakulam City Deputy Commissioner of Police Aswathy Gigi. Police recorded the actress’s statement two days prior to the arrest, officials said.
This is not the first time the filmmaker has faced such allegations. In 2024, a Bengali actress had accused Ranjith of sexual harassment linked to an incident during the audition process of the film Palerimanikyam in 2009. Following those allegations, he had stepped down as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy.
Ranjith had denied the earlier accusations, stating that the actress had auditioned for the film but was not selected as she did not fit the role.
Police said further investigation is underway in the latest case.
