Choreographer Jani Master, who was arrested a few weeks ago on charges of sexually assaulting and harassing a minor, was expected to be granted interim bail to attend the National Awards ceremony on October 8. However, on Sunday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting India announced that his national award, which he was to receive for his choreography in ‘Thiruchitrambalam’, has been suspended pending further investigation, following the charges under the POCSO Act.
In a statement issued by the National Film Awards Cell of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting India, the ministry clarified that the award and invitation extended to Jani Master were made prior to the emergence of allegations involving a crime under the POCSO Act.
“Given the gravity of the allegation and the case being sub judice, the Competent Authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the year 2022, awarded to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film ‘Thiruchitrambalam’, until further notice. As a result, the invitation extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on October 8, 2024, has been withdrawn,” the statement added.
In addition to being accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a colleague who was 16 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, Jani Master was also accused of threatening to physically hurt the aforementioned colleague if she disobeyed or reported the incident to higher authorities.
Jani was charged in September with rape under section 376 clauses (2) and (n), criminal intimidation under section 506, and intentionally causing harm under section 323 of the IPC. Jani had admitted his misdeeds a few days later.
Following the charges filed against the choreographer, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce directed the suspension of Jani Master from the Telugu Film & TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA), where he also served as president.
Source: Cinema Express
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