Ernakulam (Keralam) [India], April 1 (ANI): A Special Investigation Team has been formed following the arrest of Malayalam director Ranjith in connection with a sexual assault complaint, DCP Aswathy Gigi said.

Ranjith was taken into custody from Thodupuzha after a young actress accused him of sexually assaulting her during a film shoot. He was later produced before a magistrate and has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. He is currently lodged in Ernakulam Sub Jail.

Sharing details about the case and the arrest process, Gigi told ANI, 'We got a complaint and registered an FIR on March 28. After that, we were reasonably convinced, after securing other evidence, that the accused had committed the crime. So, we went ahead with the arrest last night... A Special Investigation Team has been constituted...'

According to police, the complaint was filed by a young actress who alleged that the incident took place at the shooting location. Based on her statement, a case has been registered under multiple sections, including sexual assault and outraging the modesty of a woman. Meanwhile, Ranjith's lawyer has said that they are preparing to move a bail plea in court.

Speaking on the arrest Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, 'At the moment, I am not fully aware of the details regarding the issue, especially since the Model Code of Conduct is in force and matters are being handled accordingly. I do not have precise information about the complaint right now; like you, I have only read about it. As of now, no formal complaints have come to me regarding the action taken. In the absence of such complaints, it appears that the proceedings are moving forward in a proper manner.'

This is not the first time Ranjith has faced such allegations. In 2024, he stepped down as the chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy after harassment claims were made by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra, though he had denied those allegations at the time. The earlier controversy had sparked strong reactions across Kerala's film industry, with several actors, directors, and industry members publicly calling for his resignation. (ANI)