FIR Filed Against Malayalam Director Ranjith Following Sexual Assault Allegations

The Kerala Police have filed an FIR against renowned Malayalam film director Ranjith after Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accused him of sexual assault. The complaint was lodged on Monday, marking a significant development in the case.

Mitra, who recently made her allegations public, submitted her complaint to the Kochi City Police after Ranjith resigned from his position as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy. The FIR was registered under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty.

In her complaint, Mitra detailed an incident from 2009 when she was in Kochi discussing a role in Ranjith's film, Palerimanikkam. She claimed that during their meeting at his residence, Ranjith attempted to touch her inappropriately. Mitra recounted escaping from the situation and initially refraining from legal action due to her unfamiliarity with local legal procedures and her residence in Kolkata.

Mitra has requested the Kochi Police to consider her email as a formal complaint and take legal action against Ranjith. She expressed frustration over public statements suggesting a written complaint was necessary and emphasized that a written complaint is not required for cognizable offenses, as clarified by the Supreme Court.

The case comes amid heightened scrutiny following the release of a redacted report by the Justice Hema Committee earlier this month. The report details widespread harassment and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry, though it does not name specific individuals. It highlights the dominance of a small group of male figures in the industry.

In response to these revelations, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced the formation of a special investigation team to address allegations of sexual abuse within the film industry.

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