Exclusive/ MeToo Victim Speaks To Republic, Details Sexual Assault By Ranjith: He Tried To Do Something With...

Director Ranjith has been caught up in the #MeToo wave that has struck Mollywood, exposing how the industry is a hotbed of sexual harassment and discrimination against women. Ranjith had to resign from his position as the Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (KCA) after Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra filed a complaint with the Kochi City Police, alleging that he sexually assaulted her during an audition.

After that, a young aspiring actor came forward, claiming Ranjith forced him to strip naked and sexually assaulted him in 2012. The victim, Sajeer, has now spoken to Republic, revealing details of what went down at the time he was abused by Ranjith.

'Ranjith invited me to Bengaluru after the first meeting'

Sajeer recalled that when his first meeting with Ranjith went down, Mammootty was with him. "The shooting location was a big home. The production controller came to me and said that Ranjith was sitting inside (the set) in the hall. He asked me about my personal life. I was very happy that a director who is a legend in the Malayalam film industry was inquiring about me. He told me that he was busy at the time but wrote down his number on a tissue and gave me. He asked me to text him. I returned home and told my friends about it. I was 20-21 years of age at the time. I don't know how he felt attraction towards me. But he told me that somehow," Sajeer told us.

The victim shared that Ranjith invited him to Bengaluru after their first meet. "I texted him after two days. He asked me to come to Bengaluru and said that the movie shoot was over. I informed my parents and went there. He was staying at the Taj Hotel near the airport. He informed me about a way through which I could enter the hotel. I reached his room. He was drinking and offered it to me. But, I'd never had a drink before, but I had a glass of vodka," he added.

Detailing what followed, Sajeer shared, "He asked me to remove my clothes saying 'I want to see your structure'. I removed my clothes. I was standing in front of a mirror. He said you are looking very beautiful and will look more beautiful on screen. This buttering gave me strength and confidence. It never happened with me. After that he tried to do something with my body."

'He took my pictures and sent them to another actress'

Sajeer continued, "He took some pictures of my naked body. I felt something strange. He said he wanted to see me again. He said he wanted to share my pictures with a senior and well-known actress and director in the Kerala film industry.  He said 'Your body and face are similar to a girl and I want to show your pictures to an actress.' I had no friends, I was drunk and I asked why are you taking my pictures. This worried me."

'He offered me money'

The investigation team recorded the statement of the complainant on Friday. Sajeer said he fostered the dream of becoming an actor but was exploited. "At the age of 20, I have no idea about the film industry. He (Ranjith) gave me his number. I did not know anything about what was happening to me. On the next morning of the day I met him, he (Ranjith) asked me how much money I needed and told me he had to go somewhere. I had high hopes of getting a role. It made me sad when he offered me money. I asked him ' You gave me hopes and now just offering me money'. But he abused me on the pretext of offering me a movie but never responded."

"After that day, there was no response. One message came which read 'Don't message me now'. I have given my statements to the SIT about what happened to me. It was my dream to act in one movie. I was unlucky. I am a victim. These people used their dignity and reputation in a bad way.," Sajeer concluded, on the note that he wants the culprits to be punished.