Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has collected evidence from the hotel in Kathrukkadavu where the actress from Bengal, who has lodged a complaint against director Ranjith for sexual assault, stayed during the time of the incident. The actress’ friend and documentary director Joshy Joseph, who is a prime witness in the case, was also present during the evidence collection.

Earlier, the SIT had taken the statement of Joshy Joseph as a witness. The case against Ranjith was initially registered at Ernakulam North Police Station and was later handed over to the Special Investigation Team.

According to the complaint, director Ranjith misbehaved with the actress during the shoot of the film “Paleri Manikyam - Oru Pathirakkolapathakathinte Kadha” in 2009. She alleged that Ranjith attempted to sexually assault her. She claimed that she was summoned to the apartment where the director was staying under the pretense of discussing the story. Realizing the director’s intentions, she managed to escape from the apartment and return to the hotel where she was staying, as stated in her complaint.

In her complaint, she also mentioned that she informed her friend Joshy Joseph about the incident. On realising the mental trauma she was experiencing, Joshy Joseph took her to his house in Thammanam. Later, he booked a flight ticket for her to Kolkata, she said.