Telugu choreographer Jani Master arrested on sexual assault allegations
Prominent Telugu choreographer, Jani Master, known for his work in blockbuster films such as Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, has been arrested following sexual harassment allegations. A 21-year-old former employee accused Master of sexually assaulting her over several years, including when she was underage. Following the allegations, Cyberbad police apprehended the award-winning choreographer from a hotel in Goa, per a report by News18.
Master could face charges under POCSO Act
Post the arrest, Master is set to be transferred to Hyderabad and will be produced before the court, according to information received by NDTV. Following the allegations, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and a workers' union suspended him. Actor Jhansi, the chairperson of the Chamber's panel investigating sexual harassment claims, stated that the allegations against Master, rape, and criminal intimidation, could lead to charges under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Alleged victim detailed years of harassment by master
The complainant first met Master at an event in 2017 and later accepted a job as his assistant choreographer in 2019. She alleges that the sexual assaults occurred subsequently, including an incident at a hotel where they were staying with two other male dancers for a show in Mumbai. The woman also accuses Master of threatening her with physical violence if she reported the abuse. Master has yet to comment on these allegations.
Master's political affiliation responds to allegations
Master is a member of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena, an ally of the Telugu Desam Party led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The Jana Sena, also part of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has instructed Master to refrain from attending its political events amid these allegations. Despite rumors of expulsion, Master confirmed to local media that he remains a party member and will comply with leadership directives.
Sexual assault allegations rock Kerala film industry
The arrest of Master comes amid a wave of sexual assault allegations in the Kerala film industry, triggered by a partly redacted judicial committee report. High-profile actors and directors such as Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya, Mukesh, and Siddique face multiple charges of assault and/or rape. A special police team established by the Kerala government is investigating these claims, all of which have been denied by the accused parties as "baseless."
