Following the late-night arrest of acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan on Tuesday, a Bengali actress who previously accused him of sexual misconduct has broken her silence. The director was taken into custody after a young actress working on his current project in Fort Kochi alleged that he entered her caravan without permission and attempted to sexually assault her. Ranjith has since been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody and is currently lodged in the Ernakulam sub-jail under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Who Is Ranjith Balakrishnan? Know About Malayalam Director Arrested in Sexual Harassment Complaint by Young Actress.

Actress Reacts to Ranjith Balakrishnan Arrest

The Bengali actress, who first filed a complaint against Ranjith in 2024 regarding an incident during a 2009 audition for the film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, spoke to the media about the recent developments. "Karma is a bitch; it leaves nobody. Whatever goes around comes around," she told Asianet News. "He may be an acclaimed director or a famous figure, but this recent incident proves that he is essentially not a good human being." She noted that while her own case faced "technical issues" and "time constraints" that prevented a conclusive outcome, the fresh arrest validates the concerns she raised years ago.

Actress Explains Delay in Ranjith Balakrishnan Allegations

Reflecting on why it took 15 years to bring her allegations to light, the actor pointed to the lack of support systems available in 2009. "Back then, I knew no one. Social media was not that relevant," she explained. She expressed strong solidarity with the current survivor, hoping that this case would be pursued more effectively. "These kinds of sexual predators should be put behind bars. This should be set as an example that women deserve respect in their workplace," she added. Ranjith Balakrishnan Sexual Harassment Case: SIT Formed To Probe Allegations Against Malayalam Director.

Kerala Govt Backs Survivor in Ranjith Case

Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian has assured that the state government stands firmly with the survivor, emphasising that Ranjith’s professional stature does not place him above the law. The government has pledged full legal and psychological support to the complainant and formed a special task force of three senior police officers to handle workplace sexual harassment cases in the film industry. Minister Cherian also encouraged other survivors to come forward without fear, assuring that status will not shield offenders from accountability. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing conversation around safety and accountability in the South Indian film industry, particularly in the wake of the Hema Committee report highlighting systemic issues.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2026 07:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).