Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been sent to police custody by a Kochi court in connection with a sexual assault case filed by a young actress, intensifying scrutiny on the film industry. The court granted investigators custody for detailed interrogation and evidence collection as part of the ongoing probe.
The case stems from a complaint registered on March 28, 2026, in which the actress alleged that the incident took place during a film shoot. According to the complaint, the alleged assault occurred inside a caravan at a shooting location in Kochi. Following preliminary investigation and evidence gathering, police arrested the director and produced him before the magistrate court.
Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case, indicating the seriousness of the allegations. During the custody period, investigators are expected to question the accused, record statements from witnesses, and collect forensic evidence related to the incident.
Earlier, the filmmaker had been remanded to judicial custody, but police sought further custody to advance the investigation. Officials have stated that the decision was based on the need to verify key details and corroborate statements provided by the complainant and other individuals present at the location.
The case has sparked widespread discussions within the Malayalam film industry regarding workplace safety and accountability. Industry bodies and government representatives have emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for artists and crew members.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have assured that due legal process will be followed. The developments in this case are being closely watched, with further updates expected in the coming days.
