Popular Telegu dance choreographer Jani Master is accused of sexual assault and arrested based on a complaint filed by a woman colleague of his. Jani’s real name is Shaik Jani. Jani was arrested in Goa by the Hyderabad police. He will be produced before a local court, according to a senior police officer. He will be brought to Hyderabad as soon as a transit warrant is issued by Goa court.
The woman alleged that Jani Master sexually assaulted him during outdoor shoots. Police maintain that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) also has been registered. In the meantime, a panel formed by the Telegu Film Chamber of Commerce has initiated an investigation in connection with the allegations of sexual harassment against Jani. The investigation team member Tammareddy Bharadwaj said that the team is expected to report on the issue within 90 days from the date of receiving the complaint from the victim. Sexual Harassment Redressal panel of Film Chamber has communicated to Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association not to allow Jani to function as its president until he is acquitted. This was disclosed by Damodar Prasad, head of the aforementioned panel.
Nerela Sharada, the chairperson of the Telengana State Commission for Women, said that the plaintiff has already approached them (the Commission); orders would be issued to give police protection to her; Commission would also provide necessary assistance to her.
BJP’s Bharatiya Mahila Morcha has come forward with the allegation that it is a ‘Love Jihad’ case. Thus, the issue has assumed more significance. Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party has asked Jani Master to keep away from its programme in the wake of the allegations he faces. Jani has campaigned for Jana Sena Party in the recently concluded elections.
With this development in Telegu film industry, the industry in the entire country cuts a sorry figure. Malayalam film industry has already invited the wrath of the common people after the revelation of Hema Committee Report and several women, and even a male, artists came out with similar complaints. Now, several Malayalam film stars do queue up before the court with anticipatory bail applications. Some of the veterans had to resign from the positions the government had gifted to them.
