Malayalam Director Ranjith Remanded in Assault Case

Kochi, India – Prominent Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on Wednesday following his arrest late Tuesday in connection with an alleged attempt to sexually assault a young actress on a film set. The incident, which occurred in Fort Kochi approximately two months earlier, prompted a confidential police investigation that led to his detention in Thodupuzha, Idukki district.

The actress filed a formal complaint with Kochi City Police on Monday, accusing Ranjith of inappropriate behavior inside a caravan during a shooting schedule for a film currently in production. She had first raised the grievance with the film's Internal Complaints Committee, which reviewed the matter and referred it to authorities. Police recorded her statement over two days at the Ernakulam North Women's Police Station, confirming the allegations warranted further action. A First Information Report was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to outraging the modesty of a woman and attempted sexual assault.

The arrest unfolded amid efforts by Ranjith to evade capture. Investigators noted that he had been tipped off about impending...