New Delhi: Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been arrested in connection with alleged sexual assault charges after a complaint was filed by an actress working on his latest film. The filmmaker was produced before a magistrate and has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days, returning to Ernakulam Sub Jail in Kerala.
Complaint Against Ranjith Balakrishnan
According to police, the actress alleged that Ranjith Balakrishnan sexual assault took place during a film shoot. She claimed that the filmmaker invited her to a caravan and attempted to assault her. Based on her statement, a case was registered under multiple sections, including sexual assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures.
The complaint was lodged with the Kochi City Police at the Women’s Police Station on Monday. Police confirmed that all proceedings related to the arrest were conducted with “utmost secrecy.”
Judicial Custody and Bail Plea
On Wednesday, Ranjith Balakrishnan sexual assault case proceedings were heard in court, and he was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. His legal team has stated that they are preparing to file a bail plea in the coming days.
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Previous Allegations Against Ranjith Balakrishnan
This is not the first time Ranjith Balakrishnan sexual assault claims have surfaced. In 2024, he resigned as chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy following harassment allegations from a Bengali actress. According to reports, the allegations involved inappropriate conduct during his 2009 film Paleri Manikyam. At the time, the Kerala High Court had dismissed his anticipatory bail plea after the police indicated the offence could be considered bailable.
Additionally, in 2024, another individual accused Ranjith of sexual assault, but the Karnataka High Court quashed the case in 2025. These previous allegations have added to the controversy surrounding the filmmaker and intensified public scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation
The current Ranjith Balakrishnan sexual assault case is under active investigation by Kochi City Police. Authorities have stated that all aspects of the complaint, including witness statements and CCTV footage from the shoot location, are being thoroughly examined.
As Kerala’s film industry continues to grapple with issues of workplace safety and misconduct, this high-profile case is expected to spark further debates on accountability and protection for artists and crew members.