'Why Are Safety Systems Failing?': WCC Flags Ground Reality After Ranjith Balakrishnan's Arrest

Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested following serious allegations of sexual assault after a complaint was filed by an actress associated with his latest film project. According to reports, the complaint was formally lodged with the police, prompting swift action from the authorities. Subsequently, the filmmaker was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. He was later taken back to the Ernakulam Sub Jail in Kerala.

The case has drawn significant attention within the film industry, as the complainant, who is reportedly part of his recent project, accused him of sexual assault, leading to a formal investigation. Authorities are currently looking into the matter, and further developments are awaited as the legal proceedings continue.

Now, WCC, Women in Cinema Collective, a first-of-its-kind all-woman organisation for women working in the Malayalam cinema industry, has reacted to Ranjith's arrest. On its official Instagram handle, WCC released a statement, which read, "Yet another grave allegation by a young actress has shaken Kerala. This time, the accusation is against director Ranjith. It is deeply distressing to realise that despite High Court directives and the new cinema policy, very little has changed on the ground. Where does this audacity of perpetrators come from? From a system that simply does not function."

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"The WCC fought for and secured a High Court order ensuring an IC on every set, along with the formation of a monitoring committee. The committee submitted several crucial action plans. Yet, why are these mechanisms still not functioning? Is it lack of will? Lack of awareness? Or sheer indifference? These systems cannot exist merely on paper," he further added.