The Narsingi police in Cyberabad have lodged a case against popular Telugu choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, for alleged sexual assault under the POCSO Act. The police filed the case on September 18 based on a complaint by a 21-year-old woman who works as a junior choreographer with him. According to the complaint, Jani sexually abused her for more than six years during shoots outdoors and at her residence.
Jani, the renowned choreographer, has been accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376(2) for rape and sexual assault, 506 for criminal intimidation and criminal intimidation threatening further danger, and 323 for voluntarily causing hurt. The case under the POCSO Act has been invoked because the alleged abuse began when the woman was 16 years old.
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A 40-page document speaking about her experience and evidence has been submitted to the Telangana State Commission for Women by the survivor in response to the FIR. It is now confirmed that police protection has been ordered for the survivor. The chairperson of the commission, Nerella Sharada, announced the setting up of a high-level monitoring committee to look at such cases in the film industry. Sharada asserted she had made all possible explanations regarding the implementation of the POCSO Act and strict compliance of the POSH Act in all the workplaces.
Master Jani, so far, has not spoken on the allegations. He has been dropped from his commitments in films and is reportedly asked to leave the post as vice president of the Jana Sena Party, headed by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan.
Such a case makes one realize that in the Telugu film industry, the need is increasing for a particular ministry by the government to be dealt with cases of sexual harassment and discrimination against women.
