Filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan Faces Legal Troubles Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Ranjith Balakrishnan's Arrest and Judicial Custody
Malayalam director Ranjith Balakrishnan was taken into custody on March 31 following allegations of sexual assault made by an actress. He was subsequently placed in judicial custody for a period of 14 days. Ranjith returned to Ernakulam Sub Jail in Kerala after the complaint was filed. On April 4, he appeared before the First Class Magistrate Court in Kochi, where he was remanded to three days of police custody for further questioning. This incident marks the second sexual misconduct allegation against him in 2024, leading to his resignation from the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.
Details of the Court Proceedings
Ranjith Balakrishnan Remanded to Police Custody
As reported by Bar and Bench, the magistrate court in Ernakulam granted police three days to interrogate Ranjith. Judge L Usha indicated that his bail application would be reviewed following the interrogation, with the next hearing scheduled for April 7.
The filmmaker's arrest followed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by an actress, who accused him of attempting to sexually assault her in a caravan during a film shoot on January 30. After recording her confidential statement, Ranjith was apprehended in Thodupuzha. The police emphasized that the arrest process was conducted with the utmost confidentiality.
Based on the actress's allegations, Ranjith faces multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including serious non-bailable offenses such as Section 74 (assault or criminal force against women), Section 75 (sexual harassment), and Section 79 (acts intended to insult a woman's modesty). Ranjith has denied the accusations, claiming they are unfounded.
Health Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
Health Issues Reported
Following his arrest, Ranjith reported feeling unwell. However, a medical examination at Ernakulam General Hospital revealed no significant health concerns, and he was returned to judicial custody.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) Involvement
According to reports, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will continue its investigation after Ranjith's police custody period concludes. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Aswathy Gigi stated that the FIR was registered on March 28, and after gathering sufficient evidence, the police were convinced of Ranjith's involvement in the alleged crime, leading to his arrest and the formation of the SIT.