Kerala film director Ranjith arrested on actor’s sex assault plaint

THODUPUZHA/KOCHI: Police on Tuesday arrested film director Ranjith on a sexual harassment complaint filed by a woman actor. They reportedly intercepted his car in Thodupuzha at night and detained him.A senior officer with Kochi City police said they received the actor's complaint about sexual harassment at a shooting location a few days ago. An FIR was registered at the Vanitha police station.According to sources, police proceeded with the arrest after the harassment was prima facie confirmed in their inquiry. Ranjith will be brought to Kochi and produced before the magistrate. He has been booked for sexual harassment under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, besides other sections.The actor reportedly filed her complaint with the DGP and the former special investigation team formed to probe sexual harassment charges in the film industry.Ranjith had faced similar allegations earlier as well. He resigned as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy in Aug 2024 following allegations raised by a woman actor. (The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)