Ernakulam Court Grants Bail to Director Ranjith in Harassment Case

A court in Ernakulam granted bail on Friday to Malayalam film director Ranjith, who had been in custody since his arrest on March 31 in a sexual harassment case filed by an actress. The incident allegedly occurred inside a caravan during a film shoot in Fort Kochi.

Judicial First Class Magistrate L Usha approved the bail after considering arguments from both sides and imposing strict conditions to ensure the investigation proceeds without interference. Ranjith must surrender his passport, remain within Ernakulam district, and avoid the Fort Kochi location where the shooting took place. He is required to post a bond of 100,000 rupees backed by two sureties of the same amount and report to the investigating officer every Monday for the next three months or until charges are filed. Currently held at Ernakulam Sub Jail, Ranjith is expected to be released shortly.

The actress approached police in Thodupuzha, leading to Ranjith's arrest that day. She accused him of sexually harassing her during the production of an ongoing film. Authorities conducted a preliminary inquiry after the complaint was first reviewed by the film's Internal Complaints Committee, which forwarded it to Kerala...