On August 27, 2024, the Kerala Police registered a case against director Ranjith following a complaint from Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra. The allegations involve abuse, and the case has been filed under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. IGP & Commissioner of Police S. Syamsundar confirmed the registration of the case and announced that a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted by the government to handle the investigation [a5de086d].
This development comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny of the film industry regarding issues of harassment and abuse. The Hema Committee, which was formed to investigate such allegations within the industry, has been pivotal in bringing these matters to light. The committee's findings have led to a broader discussion about the safety and treatment of women in the entertainment sector, highlighting the need for systemic changes to protect individuals from abuse and harassment [a5de086d].