Ranjith Balakrishnan’s arrest in a s*xual harassment case recently sparked widespread attention within the Malayalam film industry. Especially after a young actress accused him of attempting to as*ault her during a movie shoot. Days after being taken into custody and undergoing custodial interrogation. The filmmaker has now secured bail, whilst the investigation into the allegations continues.
Malayalam Director Ranjith Balakrishnan Granted Bail In S*xual Harassment Case
In keeping with reports, the actress alleged that Ranjith invited her to a caravan on set and attempted to as*ault her. Based on her statement, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on March 28 under multiple sections. Including s*xual as*ault, outraging the modesty of a lady, wrongful confinement, and making obscene gestures. He was later taken into custody from Idukki district.
The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, presided over by L Usha, granted bail with strict conditions. The court directed Ranjith to give up his passport, not leave Ernakulam district, and steer clear of the alleged crime scene in Fort Kochi. It also ordered him to execute a bond of Rs 1 lakh with two solvent sureties of the identical amount. Moreover, he must appear before the investigating officer every Monday for the subsequent three months or until the charge sheet is filed.
Nonetheless, the prosecution opposed the bail plea. It argued that key witnesses within the case were related to the filmmaker’s projects. And that granting bail could allow him to influence them and potentially derail the investigation. The prosecution also claimed that Ranjith had not fully cooperated with the investigating officer during his three-day custodial interrogation earlier this month.
Ranjith Balakrishnan Asked To Give up Passport After Bail
However, the defence maintained that Ranjith had not resisted arrest or custodial questioning. His counsel also cited his health condition while looking for relief. Taking these aspects into consideration, together with the present status of the investigation, the court decided to grant bail.
Earlier, while being taken to the sub-jail in Kochi, Ranjith addressed the media and termed the allegations “false,” stating that he would prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar confirmed that a Special Investigation Team had been formed after the grievance surfaced, and that the allegations were verified before the arrest.
With bail now granted under conditions, the investigation within the case will proceed as authorities proceed with further inquiry and legal steps.
For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.
Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge: Madras HC REJECTS Plea In search of Ban Of Ranveer Singh Starrer During Tamil Nadu Elections
Varsha Tiwari is a budding content author keen about Bollywood, popular culture, and the stories behind the highlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. All the time curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t at all times need words to make an impact.