I&B Ministry Suspends Choreographer Jani Master’s National Award Over Sexual Assault Allegations | India News

“In view of the seriousness of the allegation and the decision on the matter, the competent authority has decided to suspend the awarding of the National Film Award for Best Choreography of 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film Thiruchitrambalam until further orders.”

“Therefore, the invitation extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards Ceremony on 10/8/24 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi is hereby withdrawn,” the note signed by Deputy Director Indrani Bose said.

A city court on Thursday granted Jani Master interim bail after he applied for bail to attend the National Film Awards.

Last month, a woman who worked as Jani Master’s assistant alleged in a police complaint that the choreographer sexually assaulted her during a business trip to Mumbai in 2020 and continued to sexually harass her, and also threatened her not to tell anyone about it.

On September 15, Narsingi police registered a case against the choreographer under Sections 376(2)(n), 506, 323 of the IPC (relating to rape, assault and other offences).

While recording her statement, it was disclosed that she was a minor at the time of the alleged crime. Therefore, a relevant section of the POCSO Act, 2012 has been added, police said.

Jani Master was arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police on September 19, taken to Hyderabad and produced before a city court, which sent him to 14-day judicial custody.

First published: Oct 06, 2024 | 12:39 p.m IS