KOCHI: The police team probing the sexual assault case involving filmmaker-actor Ranjith has identified the caravan in which the young actress was allegedly molested. Though the probe team has identified the caravan, a detailed inspection of the vehicle and evidence collection will be carried out only after securing the custody of the accused, said a top source with Kochi city police.
“The probe team under the supervision of the city police commissioner and the deputy commissioner held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the future course of action. Statements of those present at the shooting location at the time of the incident, including the victim’s close colleagues who were informed about it, will be recorded in due course,” said the officer.
Denying reports that the team has already completed examination of the caravan and confirmed the absence of CCTV cameras inside it, the officer added, “We cannot reveal further details at this stage of the investigation. Senior officials will share updates at the appropriate time.”
He also indicated the possibility of interrogating individuals from the film industry who were present with Ranjith at the time of his apprehension.
Meanwhile, Advocate Mohammed Siyad, counsel for Ranjith, withdrew from the case after a controversy erupted over his appearance for the accused while serving as the legal member of the film’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
“I was part of the ICC as a legal member due to my association with the producer and the team. During the shoot, no complaints were received. Had I been aware of any such issue, I would not have taken the vakalath for either the accused or the victim. Regardless, I have decided, on my own, to keep away from the case,” Siyad told TNIE.
He added that he had sought consent from Ranjith’s son and has now ceased to represent him as legal counsel.