Malayalam director Ranjith accused of sexually harassing an artist, case registered in Bengaluru

Now, amid the reports of harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry, an artist has filed a case of sexual harassment against file director Ranjith Balakrishnan. According to the complaint, a 31-year-old victim alleged that under the influence of alcohol, Balakrishnan sexually harassed her in a five-star hotel in Kozhikode.

The police said on Monday that the case is of 2012 and the FIR was registered on Saturday. Earlier, Bengali actress Srilekha had also accused Balakrishnan of sexual harassment. In the FIR, the complainant claimed that he went to Kozhikode to meet actor Mammootty during the shooting of 'Baavuttiyude Namathil' in 2012.

It was during that time that he met the actor, and the writer and producer of that film, Balakrishnan. It is alleged that later, the director took her phone number and called her near the Kempegowda International Airport in a hotel during December 2012 and made the actor drink alcohol before sexually harassing her.

Officials said the case had initially been reported at a police station in Kerala but was transferred to Bengaluru as the incident of sexual assault occurred at a five-star hotel here. Police began investigating the case. Police registered an FIR at the BIAL police station under various sections, including unnatural offense and violation of privacy of the Information Technology Act. Further legal action is consequent in the case.