Kochi: Director Ranjith, who was arrested in connection with a molestation complaint filed by a young actress, had been under police surveillance for two days, according to Kochi City Police Commissioner S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar. He stated that Ranjith was taken into custody when he attempted to leave the premises. The Commissioner was speaking to journalists in Kochi.

He added that those present on the film set were aware of the alleged assault. Immediately after the incident, the complainant reportedly informed others on set. They comforted her and arranged for her to leave.

The actress lodged the complaint with her family last week. She was said to be deeply traumatised and had not yet recovered from the shock of the incident. She has since been provided with the necessary psychiatric care. After speaking with her, police gathered details of the alleged workplace assault.

A special investigation team, led by a female officer, was promptly constituted. The Commissioner noted that further action, including the arrest, was taken only after recording the complainant’s statement and conducting a preliminary inquiry.

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He emphasised that a key challenge was to carry out the investigation while safeguarding the victim’s privacy. He also stressed that no woman should have to endure such experiences in the workplace. The fact that the complaint was against a person in a position of authority, combined with the complainant’s lack of prior experience in handling such situations, added to the difficulties she faced. He urged the media not to publish any information that could reveal the actress’s identity.

Meanwhile, Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police Aswathi Giji, who is leading the special investigation team, stated that it would also be examined whether there had been any attempt to dissuade the actress from filing a complaint.