Mohammed Siyad, the lawyer for Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan, has stepped down from his representation in a sexual assault case. His resignation follows scrutiny over his involvement with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for the film in question. Siyad stated that he has advised Ranjith's family to seek new legal counsel for the upcoming bail hearing. The allegations against Ranjith stem from a complaint filed by a woman actor with the Kochi City Police, who accused him of attempting to sexually assault her on set. Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar confirmed that a Special Investigation Team was established to investigate the claims, which were verified before Ranjith's arrest. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) has condemned the allegations, highlighting systemic issues within the industry and calling for accountability. They expressed concern over the persistence of such incidents despite existing legal frameworks aimed at protecting women in the workplace.