P Sarin’s wife questions timing of Raga Ranjini’s allegations; urges her to file complaint

Palakkad: In response to allegations from transwoman and activist Raga Ranjini about an unpleasant experience with Dr P Sarin during a political event, the CPM leader's wife, Dr Soumya Sarin, questioned the timing of her complaint.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Soumya urged Ranjini to file a formal complaint with the police instead of making social media revelations. Soumya questioned why she remained silent when Sarin switched party or when he criticised a youth leader accused of sexual harassment. She said the revelation was linked to her own recent defence of her husband on social media, which drew wide media attention.

Soumya further criticised Ranjini for previously expressing support for a party leader accused of abuse, calling it contradictory. She urged Ranjini to pursue legal action by filing a police complaint, assuring full support in that process.

Ranjini had earlier alleged that the incident occurred in Kasaragod during the ‘Samaragni’ yatra, claiming that Sarin insisted she stay the night there, which she politely declined, reported Manorama News. After the post went viral, she deleted it, later explaining that family pressure compelled her to withdraw the post. She added that the matter reflected broader struggles in speaking the truth amid social stigma.

The controversy began earlier this week when Soumya defended Sarin on Facebook after he criticised Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil, who faces multiple sexual harassment allegations. Following her remarks, social media users taunted Sarin as a “defeated MLA.” Soumya countered by stating that while her husband had lost elections, he had done so with dignity, and she had never felt ashamed of him.