Malayalam director Ranjith has resigned as chairman of the state-run Kerala Chalachitra Academy. The development comes after Bengali actress Srilekha Mitra alleged that the filmmaker tried to molest her during the pre-production of a 2009 film.

The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key constituent of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), was among those demanding a probe into Mitra’s allegations, which resurfaced following the Justice Hema Committee findings.

talking to PTIMitra spoke about the incident involving Ranjith. She said, “The person concerned (Ranjith) is a big name in the Malayalam film industry and a National Award-winning director. I had gone to his residence to discuss an upcoming film project and I did not like his behaviour. While we were discussing the script, he made some advances and I felt uncomfortable.” Despite expressing her disagreement, the filmmaker continued with his work.

She said, “I immediately conveyed my decision not to be a part of the project, left from there and came back to Kolkata the next day.”

The ‘Chaar’ actor also added, “I don’t know if he has treated other female actors in the film industry in the same way. If they have faced a similar situation, it is up to them to speak up or not. His power and influence may have prompted others to stay silent.”

Mitra said she had not faced such problems in the Bengali cinema industry, but acknowledged that other female actors may have similar experiences. She urged these women to muster the courage to speak out without fear.

Mitra said, “The Kerala incident happened many years ago… But it is heartening that women are now speaking out, holding rallies with more passion and conviction against any kind of abuse and I am waiting for the day when the number of incidents of sexual abuse, misbehaviour will reduce and women will not have to hear such painful stories.”

There were widespread demands in Kerala for Ranjith to resign from the post of Film Academy Chairman, with prominent people like film producer Dr. Biju also speaking out against him.

The allegations surfaced during a tumultuous time in the Malayalam film industry following the Justice Hema Committee report which exposed widespread casting couch practices, sexual abuse and pay disparities.