A major case has unfolded as Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra filed a complaint against director Ranjith. This development came just a day after Ranjith stepped down as the chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy.
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In her email to the Kochi City Police Commissioner, Sreelekha Mitra recounted an incident from 2009. She was in Kochi for discussions about a role in Palerimanikkam, a movie directed by Ranjith. According to her, during the discussion, Ranjith allegedly “clutched” her hand and tried to touch other parts of her body inappropriately.
The Incident as Recounted by Mitra
“I was invited to act in the film ‘Palerimanikkam’ directed by Ranjith. During a discussion at his flat in Kochi, he clutched my hand and tried to touch other parts of my body with sexual intent,” Sreelekha Mitra wrote in her complaint. “Realizing his intentions were not about the film and were sexually motivated, I escaped from the flat and returned to my hotel.”
Sreelekha Mitra shared her disturbing experience the next day with a scriptwriter named Joshy Joseph. She further mentioned that not being given a ticket for her return journey forced her to seek Joseph’s help.
Delay in Legal Action of Sreelekha Mitra
Sreelekha Mitra explained that she didn’t pursue legal action immediately due to her unfamiliarity with the local legal system in Kochi. As a person from Kolkata, I couldn’t go further with prosecuting Ranjith back then,” she stated. However, she has now asked the Kochi Police to consider her email as a formal complaint and initiate legal proceedings under section 354 and 354B of the Indian Penal Code.
Public Responses and Legal Steps for Sreelekha Mitra
Mitra also voiced concerns over public comments made by functionaries in Kerala, which suggested the need for a written complaint to register a crime. Since Ranjith’s actions constitute a cognizable offense, a written complaint should not be necessary, according to a Supreme Court judgment,” Mitra wrote. She requested the police to set the law in motion and take action against Ranjith.
The Broader Context: Justice Hema Committee Report
Earlier this month, an edited version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public. This report contains alarming stories of harassment, exploitation, and mistreatment faced by female professionals.
The 235-page document reveals that the Malayalam film industry is largely controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors. These individuals reportedly exert significant influence and control over the industry.
Government Response on Sreelekha Mitra Compliant
The Justice Hema Committee, which was formed in 2017, submitted its findings to the Kerala government in December 2019. The report was finally made public only this month, shedding light on numerous issues within the industry.
The release of this report has added more weight to Mitra’s claims and her call for justice. It has also ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry, helping to highlight the need for systemic changes.
Developments Awaited
As the special investigation team begins its work, the public and industry insiders are closely watching how this case evolves. For now, Sreelekha Mitra’s bold step in coming forward has not only reopened a significant chapter in her life but also thrown a spotlight on the pervasive issue of harassment in the industry.
Stay tuned to India Press Live for more updates on this developing story.
