The clamour for the resignation of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairperson Ranjith over allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled against him by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra grew on Saturday, even as Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian maintained that action can be taken only after a formal complaint is lodged. The State government came under intense pressure from film industry figures as well as the Opposition and even from within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to force Mr. Ranjith’s resignation, but Mr.
Cherian appeared not too keen on it. “Ranjith is a filmmaker acclaimed across the country. He cannot be punished just based on accusations.
He has denied the allegations. If a formal complaint is received, strong action will be taken. We are with the victims,” said Mr.
Cherian. Ms. Mitra had on Friday accused Mr.
Ranjith of making advances towards her during the pre-production period of the 2009 Malayalam film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha . Her allegations were corroborated by documentary filmmaker Joshy Joseph, who said that she had told him about the incident on the same day. Govt should register suo motu case: Annie Raja Annie Raja, leader of the Communist Party of India, constituent party of the ruling LDF, said that the allegations against Ranjith are serious and the State government should register a suo motu case.
Ranjith should be asked to step down from the post during the investigation for the sake of fairness and tra.