National award-winning choreographer Jani Master accused of sexual assault by woman

Hyderabad: Noted National Awawi Award-winning choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, better known as Jani Master, has been arrested by the Raidurgam police in Cyberabad for allegedly sexually harassing a colleague. The 21-year-old woman, also a choreographer, filed a complaint accusing Jani of multiple assaults during her outdoor shoot.

According to police, the victim had worked closely with Jani for several months. She claimed that the assaults took place during filming in various cities, including Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad. In addition, the woman alleged that Jani had assaulted her several times at her apartment in Narsingi.

Based on the victim's complaint, a ZeroFirst Information Report (FIR) was registered by the Raidurgam police. The case has since been transferred to the Narsingi police for further investigation as the victim is a resident there. Police confirmed that Jani has been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sub-section (2) and (n) of section 376 (rape), section 506 (criminal intimidation) and section 323 (intentional causing hurt).

Shikha Goel, Director General of Telangana Women Safety Wing, said that individuals from the film industry have sought advice on the case. She advised them to conduct an internal investigation under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act while ensuring that the legal process continues as required.

This is not the first time Jani Master has had legal troubles. In June, a dancer named Satish filed a harassment complaint against him, and in 2019, he was sentenced to six months in prison following a brawl at a college in 2015.

The case is currently under further investigation.