Kochi: A magistrate court in Ernakulam on Friday granted bail to Malayalam film director Ranjith, who was arrested in connection with a sexual harassment case filed by a young actress.
The court allowed the bail subject to conditions, even as the prosecution opposed the plea, citing concerns over possible witness influence.
The prosecution argued that the key witnesses in the case were associated with the filmmaker’s projects and that granting bail could enable him to influence them and derail the investigation.
It further contended that Ranjith had not fully cooperated with the investigating officer during his three-day custodial interrogation earlier this month.
However, the defence countered that no fresh custody application had been filed and pointed out that the accused had not challenged either his arrest or the earlier custody order.
The counsel also emphasised Ranjith’s willingness to cooperate with the probe, assuring the court that he would appear before the investigating officer whenever required.
Ranjith informed the court that he would not attempt to influence witnesses or enter areas where they are present, and that he continues to take medication as prescribed by his doctor.
The case stems from a complaint alleging that the director attempted to sexually assault the actress inside a caravan during a film shoot in Fort Kochi earlier this year.
Following the complaint, Ernakulam police registered a First Information Report and recorded the survivor’s confidential statement before proceeding with the arrest.
Ranjith was taken into custody from Thodupuzha on March 31 and later remanded to judicial custody.
He has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 74, 75 and 79, which pertain to assault, sexual harassment and acts intended to outrage the modesty of a woman.
The director who was lodged at the Ernakulam Sub Jail walked out of the jail after the bail papers were presented to the jail officials.
All along, he has denied the allegations, maintaining that the case against him is false.
(IANS)
