Jani Master rape case: Choreographer sent to 14-day judicial remand
Tollywood choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by the Upperpally court in connection with a sexual assault case. He will be held at the Chanchalguda Central Prison during this period. The case came to light after a 21-year-old woman, who worked as Jani's assistant choreographer, accused him of sexually assaulting her for several years.
Jani Master was arrested in Goa
Jani Master was arrested by the Cyberabad Police from a resort in Goa on Thursday. The remand period will last until October 3, during which the police will conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations and submit a report to the court. Meanwhile, Jani's wife Sumalatha refuted the allegations by saying, "The allegation that the woman was harassed when she was 16 is disgusting. There is no truth in it." "If the girl can show evidence, I will leave Master."
Victim alleges sexual, physical, and mental assault
The victim, in her complaint, allegedly accused Jani of sexually, physically, and mentally assaulting her for several years, starting in 2019. She first met him in 2017 during a dance reality show where he was a judge. She was later offered a job as his assistant choreographer. The victim alleged instances of assault and also accused Jani of threatening her career prospects.
POCSO Act invoked as victim was a minor
The case took a serious turn when it was revealed that the victim was a minor when the alleged abuse began. This led to the inclusion of sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the charges against the National Award-winning choreographer. The victim, now 21, alleged that Jani sexually harassed her on multiple occasions in different cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Telugu film industry reacts to allegations
The allegations against Jani have sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC) expelled him from their organization and formed a committee to investigate the accusations. The Dancers's Union also suspended his membership. Jani, a member of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) led by actor Pawan Kalyan, has been asked to stay away from party activities until the case is resolved.
