Police, media, and a lost lane: Ranjith’s chaotic return to court

Kochi: Director Ranjith found himself in legal trouble again and behind bars just weeks after being acquitted in previous cases, even as he was preparing for a comeback in cinema after a seven-year hiatus.

The city police brought Ranjith from Thodupuzha to Kochi around 2 AM. During the journey, he complained of physical discomfort. The police immediately took him to Ernakulam General Hospital for a preliminary check-up, where his blood pressure was found to be high, and a minor anomaly was detected in his ECG. After being admitted for rest and with doctors confirming his health was stable, Ranjith was discharged around 7 AM.

Following the hospital visit, the police were headed to the women’s police station where a case had been registered in Ranjith’s name. However, a large media contingent was waiting outside the station, and the police decided not to take him inside. 

The police were en route to the residence of Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate L. Usha, near the Maradu Aini temple. While navigating narrow lanes, the team briefly lost their way and accidentally reached another house’s courtyard. Realizing the mistake, they quickly redirected to the magistrate’s residence.

Upon arrival, the police handed over the remand report to Magistrate L. Usha. Ranjith was formally informed of his remand before being taken to the sub-jail near the High Court shortly after 8 AM.

According to authorities, the complainant’s secret statement played a key role in the case against Ranjith. The City Police Commissioner stated that the arrest was made based on the principle that no woman should have to endure such incidents at her workplace.