Thiruvananthapuram: P. S. Sathi Devi, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, has stated that a thorough investigation must be conducted into the allegations made by Bengali actress Sreelakha Mitra, regardless of the status of the accused. She said that the commission will seek a report from the government. “If we receive information about sexual harassment, we can take up the case and investigate. The actress’s allegations must be investigated. If the allegations are proven, action must be taken against Ranjith. If the actress has raised a complaint, it must be investigated thoroughly and action must be taken accordingly. We learned about the actress’s information through the media. The decision to remove Ranjith from the position of Chairman of the Film Academy rests with the government. He should only be removed from his position if the allegations are proven. The complainant should receive legal protection. Actions have been taken against individuals in high positions before, including in the film industry. If a complaint is raised, it must be investigated. If wrongdoing is found, action is required,” explained the Women’s Commission Chairperson.
Meanwhile, Minister Veena George has expressed full support for the actress Sreelakha Mitra, who has made allegations against Ranjith. “The government will not protect anyone who has committed wrongdoing as per the Hema Committee report. If further actions are required based on the report, we will proceed accordingly,” Veena George clarified.
Cultural Minister Saji Cherian stated that no case will be filed against Ranjith in relation to the allegations made by Sreelakha Mitra. He clarified that a case will not be filed based on the allegations alone, but if there is a formal complaint, action will be taken. “The government stands with the victims, not with the accused. The government will examine any complaints received. There will be no leniency towards those who commit crimes. However, a formal written complaint is necessary to take action. Legal matters need to be reviewed before making a decision. A case cannot be filed based solely on statements made through the media,” said Saji Cherian.
The Chief Minister has stated that no case can be filed related to the Hema Committee report. However, if a complaint is made, there will be no leniency from the government, regardless of the status of the individual. The police are responsible for investigating the facts of the complaint. Ranjith has responded to the allegations. Both the allegations and Ranjith’s response are before the government. If a complaint is filed, action will be taken. It is not necessary to make public whether the Minister has spoken to Ranjith,” said the Minister.
Sreelakha Mitra’s Stance
Actress Sreelakha Mitra has firmly stood by her allegations against director Ranjith. She revealed to the media that Ranjith behaved inappropriately while she was acting in the film “Paleri Manikyam” directed by him during the 2009-10 period.
“I spent an entire night at the hotel in fear. I was aware of the incident. I reported it to documentary filmmaker Joshi Joseph, but no one has contacted me since then,” said the actress.
