Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan has been remanded to judicial custody by a court in Kerala following his arrest in connection with a sexual assault case, officials said on Wednesday.
The director was produced before a magistrate court in Ernakulam, which ordered his judicial custody until April 13. The development comes a day after he was taken into custody by the police based on a complaint filed by a female actor.
According to police officials, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered after the complainant alleged that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault her during a film shoot earlier this year. The alleged incident is reported to have taken place on January 30 inside a caravan at a shooting location.
The complaint was lodged with the Kochi City Police, following which authorities initiated an investigation. The police subsequently tracked and apprehended the filmmaker from the Idukki district. He was initially taken to a local police station before being transferred to Kochi for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the arrest was carried out discreetly, with coordination between local police units, to avoid public disruption. After completing initial formalities, the accused was presented before the court, which ordered his remand as the investigation continues.
The case has drawn attention within the Malayalam film industry, with reports indicating that the alleged incident occurred during an ongoing film production. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the case, citing the need to protect the identity of the complainant.
Following his remand, Ranjith reportedly denied the allegations and claimed that the accusations against him were false. He stated that he would contest the charges through legal means.
The development has also prompted responses from industry bodies and state authorities. Reports indicate that the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has initiated internal action, while state officials have reiterated support for the complainant.
Police officials said the investigation is ongoing, and further steps will be taken based on evidence and statements recorded during the probe.