Rape Accused Director Ranjith Fires Back At MeToo Victim, Says 'Complaint Is False And Motivated'

Director Ranjith Seeks Bail: The Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith is one of the many accused in sexual assault cases that have gripped Mollywood following the Hema Committee expose. Two FIRs have been filed against the director following the complaints of a female actor. However, sources have told Republic World that the director has moved to the High Court to seek bail in the cases. 

Ranjith seeks bail on grounds of ill health

Director Ranjith has moved to the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the sexual assault case. The filmmaker has filed for an anticipatory bail in the matter. As per sources, in his statement, Ranjith has alleged that all complaints against him are false. 

The filmmaker has argued that the claim made by the Bengali actress is not true and is "Motivated by the female actor's disappointment in not being cast in the film". He further cites in his submission that the conversation that the actress claims to have taken place in 2013, happened in the presence of other people and was not a private discussion. He has also argued, that his health is not keeping well which is why he has sought for the bail.

Bengali actress accuses Ranjith of sexual misconduct 

A popular Bengali actress had accused prominent Malayalam film director and Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith of misconduct, intensifying scrutiny on the Pinarayi Vijayan government over its alleged inaction regarding the Justice Hema Committee report. The report had exposed instances of harassment and exploitation of women within the Malayalam film industry, prompting calls for accountability. 

Ranjith has denied the allegations, claiming he is the “real victim” in the situation. The CPI, a key ally of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has joined calls for a thorough investigation into the claims made by Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra. She has recounted an incident from years ago, which resurfaced in light of the Hema Committee's findings. Despite mounting pressure for Ranjith to resign from his position as Academy Chairman, the government has yet to take definitive action. Youth Congress state vice-president Abin Varkey has filed a formal complaint with the police chief demanding action against Ranjith. Protests have erupted across the state against Ranjith and Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan.

Mitra also expressed concern about whether other female actors in the industry had faced similar situations, suggesting that Ranjith’s influence might have silenced them. She stressed that women should have the courage to speak out against harassment and hoped for a reduction in such misconduct.