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Choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, widely known as Jani Master, has found himself at the center of a scandal that has led to the suspension of his National Film Award for Best Choreography. The award, which he received for the song "Megam Karukkatha" from Thiruchitrambalam, was suspended amid serious allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Just a day after being granted interim bail to attend the National Film Awards scheduled for October 8, Jani Master's accolades were put on hold due to the gravity of the allegations. The National Film Awards Cell released a statement clarifying that the decision was made in light of the serious nature of the charges, which include rape and criminal intimidation. The order, signed by Deputy Director Indrani Bose, stated that Jani Master's invitation to the awards ceremony has also been revoked, emphasizing the importance of accountability in such serious matters.
The allegations against Jani Master stem from a complaint filed by a woman from Madhya Pradesh, who accused him of sexually assaulting her during a work trip in 2020. The victim, who was a minor at the time of the incidents, reported multiple instances of sexual assault and harassment. The Narsingi Police have registered a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly threatened the victim to prevent her from disclosing the abuse.
Jani Master, known for his notable contributions to Telugu and Tamil cinema, was arrested on September 19 by Cyberabad police and was held in judicial custody for several weeks. His recent bail allows him to attend the awards ceremony, but it comes with the stipulation that he must surrender afterward. His membership in the Jana Sena Party, which he joined earlier this year, has also come under scrutiny, with the party instructing him to refrain from participating in any of its functions due to the ongoing investigation.