Sexual abuse case: Kerala filmmaker Ranjith sent to three days’ police custody

The Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday (April 4, 2026) sent Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, who was earlier arrested in connection with a case of sexual abuse following a complaint filed by a female actor, to police custody for three days.

His bail application will be considered on April 7. The prosecution has argued that his police custody was required in view of the “serious nature” of the alleged crime.

Mr. Ranjith’s counsel alleged that the arrest was made in haste and in violation of the Supreme Court directives that arrests for offences punishable by up to seven years should be exceptional and notices should be issued to the accused furnishing the reasons for the arrest.

Mr. Ranjith, who resigned as the chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy following a sexual harassment case in 2024, was booked in the latest case after the actor lodged a complaint with Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar. The police arrested him after recording the complainant’s confidential statement.

He has been charged with attempt to outrage the modesty of a woman under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A Special Investigation Team led by the Kochi City Police Commissioner is probing the case.