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Film director Ranjith was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a sexual assault complaint filed by a young actress, marking a major development in a case that has reportedly been handled with high secrecy by the police.

According to officials, the Ernakulam Central Police registered the case, while a special investigation team led by the Kochi Deputy Commissioner of Police carried out the arrest under the direction of senior officers, including the Ernakulam Range IG and the Idukki SP.

Ranjith was taken into custody after his vehicle was intercepted in Thodupuzha, based on mobile phone location tracking. He is currently being held by the Thodupuzha police and is expected to be transferred to Kochi for further proceedings.

The complainant, a young actress working in a film directed by Ranjith, alleged that the incident occurred during the shoot when he allegedly attempted to sexually assault her on set. The film was being shot across Kottayam and Kochi.

The actress had earlier submitted complaints to the Director General of Police and other authorities, and her confidential statement was recently recorded at a Women’s Police Station, after which police acted swiftly.

Ranjith, a filmmaker, actor, and writer, has previously faced similar allegations, though earlier cases were reportedly settled. At the time of those accusations, he was serving as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy, a position he later resigned from.

He is also known for his association with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which had once considered him as a potential candidate from Kozhikode in 2021.