Kerala film director Ranjith arrested for sexual assault | Latest News India

A sexual assault case was registered against filmmaker Ranjith, first filed by the Hema committee in Bengaluru, Kerala, following a complaint by a 31-year-old man, who said the incident took place during a film shoot in 2012. in question.

Kempegowda International Airport police station inspector Mallikarjun cited the complaint stating that during the shooting of “Bavuttiyude Namathil” in Bengaluru, Ranjith sexually assaulted the complainant under the guise of offering her opportunities in the film industry. It was stated that Ranjith allegedly met the victim during the shooting of the film starring Mammootty and promised him a role.

The complaint also stated that Ranjith established rapport with the man by discussing the prospects of the film industry before inviting him to meet at the Taj Hotel near the airport. It was reported that the attack took place during this meeting. The complainant later disclosed the incident to Kerala’s Hema committee, set up to investigate allegations of harassment and misconduct in the entertainment industry. According to the complainant, the first case was registered at the Town police station in Kerala.

Kempegowda International Airport police station took charge of the incident and launched an investigation.

After investigation, the case was transferred to Bengaluru, where the alleged incident took place. Mallikarjun said the case has been registered under Section 377 of the IPC, which deals with “unnatural offences”, and Section 66 of the IT Act, which deals with crimes involving misuse of technology. “We registered the case against filmmaker Ranjith on Saturday and initiated an investigation to verify the details,” he added.

The Hema commission’s report on the working conditions of women film professionals in Kerala, published on August 19, said women artists and actors were routinely asked for sexual favors in exchange for opportunities, told to compromise, and coped with the power displayed by women artists and actors. She threatened her male colleagues with a ban if they tried to sue them. The committee report, originally 295 pages long, was shortened by 66 pages to remove the names and information of those who testified and others about whom allegations were made.

Following the release of the report, several female actors, including a Bengali actress, went public with allegations of sexual harassment against some well-known faces of Malayalam cinema, including director Ranjith and actors Siddique and Mukesh.