Kerala cultural affairs minister Saji Cheriyan on Saturday defended state film academy chairman and director Ranjith in the misbehaving allegations raised by Bengali actress Sreelakha Mitra.
The actress had alleged that Ranjith misbehaved with her when she came to act in Malayalam movie Paleri Manikyam, recalling that she spent a whole night in the hotel in fear.
Cheriyan said Ranjith is one of the most prolific artists in the country and he cannot be crucified based on allegations. "It was a public accusation. Ranjith has also publicly denied it and said there were other people with him. Things will become clear only after receiving a formal complaint," said the minister.
Mitra on Friday said Ranjith touched her arm inappropriately, played with her bangles and stroked her hair. She added that Ranjith then tried to touch her neck after which she left the room. The actress said she quit the film next day and complained to documentary director Joshi Joseph regarding the alleged incident. However, no one contacted her following this and was denied opportunity in other Malayalam movies too because she objected to the director's inappropriate advances to her, the actress claimed.
However, Ranjith responded to the allegations saying Mitra was invited for an audition and not to act in the film. He said her performance did not meet his expectations and hinted that the allegations might be motivated by other reasons. "I am the victim here and she is the hunter," he alleged
On Saturday, minister Cheriyan said the government cannot file a case based on someone's allegation but clarified that strong action will be taken if a complaint is registered. "We are with the victim, we are with the women," he added.
He added that the ruling CPM will decide on whether Ranjith should be removed from the post of film academy chairman.
