Kochi: A case has been registered against Director Ranjith based on the complaint lodged by a Bengali actress. The case has been registered under IPC Section 354: Assault of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty. It is a non-bailable, cognizable offence and is punishable by up to five years in prison. 

City Police Commissioner S Syamsundar said that the case will be handed over to the Special Investigation Team. The Kerala government has formed a special investigation team to probe sexual harassment allegations against leading actors in the Malayalam film industry. 

Earlier on Monday, the actress officially lodged a complaint against director Ranjith in connection with sexual advances made towards her. According to her complaint filed with the Kochi City Police Commissioner, she alleged that the incident took place in an apartment in Kadavanthra in 2009.

She was summoned to Kochi under the pretext of discussing the upcoming film 'Paleri Manikyam - Oru Pathira kolapathakathinte kadha’  directed by Ranjith. During the meeting in an apartment at Kadavanthara where Ranjith was staying, he allegedly touched her hands and other body parts with sexual intentions. Upset by his behaviour, she left the apartment and went back to the hotel where she was staying. Next day she returned to Kolkata with the help of her friend and script writer Joshy Joseph. She alleged that she was not even provided with a return flight ticket.

The actress raised her allegations following the release of the Hema Committee report. The outcry in the film and cultural community led many to demand Ranjith’s resignation from his position as Chairman of the Chalachitra Academy. Facing intense pressure, Ranjith announced his resignation from the post on Sunday.