Bengali Actress Files Complaint Against Renowned Director

Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has filed a complaint against filmmaker Ranjith, alleging sexual misconduct during a film discussion in 2009. The Kerala police have received her email detailing the incident. This complaint follows Ranjith’s recent resignation from his chairman post at the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy amid ongoing scrutiny of the Malayalam film industry.

Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, on Monday, lodged a complaint with Kochi City Police against film director Ranjith, a day after he stepped down as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy. The complaint follows public allegations of sexual misconduct made by Mitra.

In an email to Kochi City Police Commissioner, Mitra recounted a 2009 incident in Kochi where, during discussions about a role in the movie 'Palerimanikkam,' Ranjith allegedly 'clutched' her hand and attempted to touch her body with sexual intent.

'I was in Kochi for discussions about my role in the film 'Palerimanikkam' when Ranjith, during the meeting at his flat, grabbed my hand and tried to touch other parts of my body with sexual intent. I managed to escape and shared my ordeal with scriptwriter Joshy Joseph the next day,' Mitra detailed. Initially hesitant to take legal action due to unfamiliarity with local laws, Mitra now seeks justice, invoking IPC sections 354 and 354 B. The Kerala government has announced a special investigation team to probe claims of abuse in the Malayalam film industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)