Kozhikode: The tinsel landscape is being battered with continuous allegations coming out from all sides as icons are consistently brought down by alleged victims. Director Ranjith, who had to step down from the post of Chairman of Chalachithra Academy following sexual abuse case registered against him on the basis of the complaint lodged by a Bengali actress, is facing yet another allegation, this time from a youth from Kozhikode. He had alleged that the director had brutally abused him sexually in a five star hotel room at Bengaluru. 

According to the complaint lodged by the youth with Kasaba police station, Kozhikode, the incident took place in 2012. It was during the shooting of ‘Bavuttiyude Namathil’ that the youth got in touch with Ranjith when he went to the location to meet actors. He was a plus two student then. When he asked for a chance to act in films, Ranjith asked him to come to a five star hotel in Bengaluru where he had sexually abused him. 

Though he had informed about this incident to a prominent actress, she didn’t react, the youth said. 

The young man recounted that upon reaching the location, a production controller approached him and asked if he wanted to meet Mammootty, then escorted him to the shooting site. While observing the filming, director Ranjith noticed him and inquired why he admired Mammootty so much.The young man said that he is not only fond of Mammotty but legendary directors like Ranjith.h. He then expressed his desire to act in films.  Then, Ranjith gave him a tissue paper and asked him to write down his phone number, asking him to only send messages. 

The young man sent a message later that night, and Ranjith asked him when he would be free. The youth replied that he was available whenever the director needed him. Ranjith then inquired if he could come to Bengaluru. Upon arriving at the hotel in Bengaluru, the youth checked with the reception to see if he could meet Ranjith, but was informed that no visitors were allowed after 10 PM. When he told this to Ranjith, the director instructed him not to leave and assured him that he would guide him to the room. The youth then made his way to the hotel’s coffee shop and reached the corridor via the side staircase exit.

When the young man arrived at the room, Ranjith was already there. He mentioned that they would talk after he took a bath and offered the young man a drink. Ranjith then asked him to apply kajal to his eyes. After the young man complied, Ranjith commented on how beautiful his eyes were. He made some inappropriate physical remarks, and the young man, hoping to secure the role, tried to tolerate it. Ranjith then sexually abused him multiple times while the youth was in a semi-inebriated state due to the alcohol."

In the morning, Ranjith gave him money. When he said he didn’t need money but wanted an opportunity in films, Ranjith said he was in a hurry. Later, when he tried to call, his number was blocked. The young man claims this experience caused him serious mental distress, and he has only now found the courage to speak out.