‘Karma comes calling’: Bengali actress who accused Ranjith of touching her without consent, reacts

Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra, who had accused Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith in 2024 of inappropriate behaviour dating back to 2009, has now reacted strongly after his arrest in a third sexual assault case.

Sharing her response, Mitra did not hold back, calling the development a consequence of his actions. “Karma is a b****, it leaves nobody. Whatever goes around comes around. He may be an acclaimed director or a famous figure, but this recent incident proves that he is essentially not a good human being,” she said.

Ranjith was recently arrested following a complaint by a young actress associated with his upcoming film.

According to police, the complainant alleged that he attempted to sexually assault her inside a caravan during a shoot. He was taken into custody near Thodupuzha while travelling towards Idukki and has since been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The case remains under investigation.

Mitra’s reaction has brought renewed focus on her own allegations, which she made public in 2024.

She had accused Ranjith of touching her without consent during a meeting in Kochi when she had travelled for the shooting of the film ‘Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha’ in 2009.

Recalling the incident, the actress had stated that she met Ranjith at a guest house, where he was on a phone call with a cinematographer she knew.

While she was speaking on the phone, she alleged that the filmmaker began touching her inappropriately, playing with her bangles and hair.

The experience left her deeply uncomfortable and shaken, prompting her to leave the place immediately and return home the next day.

Her complaint led to legal proceedings; however, the case was later quashed by the Kerala High Court in October 2025 due to the expiry of the statutory time limit.

Reflecting on the past, Mitra said that at the time, she lacked the support systems that exist today, including the amplifying power of social media.

She also suggested that Ranjith’s repeated denials of allegations followed a familiar pattern.

Calling for accountability, she said such developments should serve as a warning. “These kinds of sexual predators should be put behind bars. This should be set as an example that women deserve respect in their workplace,” she added.

Ranjith has denied all allegations against him, including those made by Mitra.