Court grants conditional bail to director Ranjith in Kochi harassment case
A court in Kochi on Friday granted bail to noted Malayalam film director Ranjith, who was arrested in connection with a sexual harassment case filed by an actress.
Judicial First Class Magistrate L. Usha allowed the bail plea while imposing strict conditions. The court directed the filmmaker to surrender his passport, barred him from leaving Ernakulam district, and prohibited him from entering the alleged crime scene at Fort Kochi, where the film shooting had taken place. He was also asked to execute a bond of ₹1 lakh and provide two solvent sureties of the same amount.
Additionally, the court ordered Ranjith to appear before the investigating officer every Monday for the next three months or until the filing of the charge sheet. He is currently lodged at Ernakulam Sub Jail and is expected to be released soon following the bail order.
The case originates from a complaint filed by an actress, who alleged that she was sexually harassed by the director inside a caravan during a film shoot in Fort Kochi. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case and began an investigation, leading to Ranjith’s arrest from Thodupuzha on March 31.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution opposed his release, claiming that the accused had not cooperated fully with the investigation. However, the defence countered that Ranjith had not resisted arrest and had already undergone custodial interrogation. His counsel also cited his health condition as a factor warranting bail.