Renowned Telugu choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, has been charged under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the Narsingi police of Cyberabad and arrested in Goa. The charges follow a complaint by a 21-year-old woman who has accused him of sexually abusing her over a period of six years.
Jani Master, a National Award-winning choreographer, faces serious allegations, including sections 376 (2) (punishment for sexual assault), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The POCSO Act clause was added after it was revealed that the alleged abuse began when the woman was a minor, at 16 years old.
Survivor’s Complaint and Protection
The survivor, who worked as a junior choreographer with Jani, submitted a detailed 40-page document to the Telangana State Commission for Women, including evidence of her claims. Nerella Sharada, chairperson of the commission, confirmed that the commission intervened promptly, ordering police protection for the survivor.
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Sharada emphasized the seriousness of the case and the importance of enforcing the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act in all workplaces. “We will take this case very seriously and efforts are made for strict implementation of POSH in all workplaces, including the constitution of local and internal committees,” she said.
Impact on Jani Master
In response to the allegations, Jani Master has been distanced from his current film projects. He has also been asked to step aside from his duties as a member of the Jana Sena Party, led by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan. Jani Master has yet to publicly comment on the allegations.
This case highlights the urgent need for systemic change in the Telugu film industry regarding sexual harassment and discrimination. There is a growing demand for establishing a dedicated government body to address these issues effectively.
