Kerala minister shows support for victim amid director Ranjith's arrest
What's the story
Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian has assured that the government and police stand with the victim in the recent attempted sexual assault case against noted Malayalam film director Ranjith. The minister's statement comes after Ranjith was remanded to 14-day judicial custody for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a female actor during a film shoot. He was arrested on Tuesday night from Idukki district.
Minister's statement
'Neither the police nor the government is protecting him'
Hindustan Times quoted Cherian, "Such acts will not be accepted by the government or the society." He added that Ranjith's appointment as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy in 2022 was based on his qualifications and the absence of such allegations at that time. Cherian added, "We are viewing seriously the repeating of the same allegations against him. Neither the police nor the government is protecting him."
Investigation
Cherian urges others in the film industry to come forward
Cherian also emphasized that the swift action against Ranjith is a result of recent changes in the movie sector, including the cinema conclave and state film policy. He urged everyone in the film industry who has faced similar experiences to come forward with complaints, assuring them of government support. "Let the investigation take its course," he added.
Past allegations
Ranjith previously faced sexual harassment allegations
Ranjith had previously faced sexual harassment allegations following the Justice K Hema Committee report on abuse in the Malayalam industry. In 2024, a female Bengali actor accused him of inappropriate touching with sexual intent after inviting her to act in his 2009 film Paleri Manikyam. The Kerala High Court had earlier closed his anticipatory bail plea after police suggested treating this alleged offense as bailable.