Director Ranjith Arrested Over Sexual Assault Charges, Ranjith's Fall from Grace: A Timeline of Allegations and Controversy

Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested on Tuesday evening and remanded to 14-day judicial custody for allegedly attempting to sexually assault an actress on the sets of his latest film. The actress, who had worked with Ranjith, filed a complaint with the Kochi City Police, alleging that he invited her to a caravan and attempted to assault her.

Ranjith's arrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Malayalam film industry following the release of the Justice K Hema Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues of harassment and abuse. This isn't the first time Ranjith has faced allegations; in 2024, a Bengali actress accused him of harassment, leading to his resignation as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman.

The police investigation revealed that Ranjith attempted to flee upon learning of his impending arrest, but was intercepted by a special team near Thodupuzha. He was taken to Ernakulam General Hospital for a medical examination, where his health worsened reportedly. Ranjith denies the allegations, claiming he's been "framed".

The actress who filed the complaint had initially approached the film's Internal Complaints Committee, which passed the case to the Kerala Police for further action. The police registered a case under multiple sections, including outraging the modesty of a woman, sexual assault, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures.

Ranjith's arrest has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, with many calling for accountability and stricter laws against harassment. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the industry's handling of such allegations.