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Telugu choreographer Jani Master has been arrested after a former employee accused him of sexual assault. The case involves serious charges under POCSO.
Telugu choreographer Jani Master, known for his work in blockbuster films like Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, has been arrested following serious allegations of sexual assault made by a 21-year-old former colleague. The woman accused Jani Master of harassing her for years, starting when she was a minor, and claimed he even threatened her with physical violence if she reported the incidents.
Timeline of Events and Allegations
According to the victim, she first met Jani Master at an event in 2017, and in 2019, he offered her a position as an assistant choreographer. The woman alleges that the sexual assaults occurred multiple times over the course of her employment. One notable instance reportedly happened during a stay in a Mumbai hotel while they were working on a show together, along with two other male dancers.
Legal Charges and Investigation
Jani Master has been taken into custody in Bengaluru and is set to be transferred to Hyderabad. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has suspended him, and he also faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), given the victim’s claims that some of the abuse occurred when she was a minor. Additionally, actor Jhansi, Chairperson of the Chamber’s sexual harassment panel, confirmed that the charges against him include rape and criminal intimidation.
Industry Repercussions and Response
Jani Master has been suspended by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce as well as the local workers’ union. The case has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry, where Jani Master’s contributions to hit films had made him a notable figure.