Jani Master Arrested in Goa: Choreographer Faces Serious Sexual Assault Allegations

Telugu choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, was arrested in Goa following serious allegations of sexual assault. The arrest stems from a complaint filed by a junior choreographer who claims that Jani sexually assaulted her multiple times over several years. The case has sent shockwaves through the film industry, raising concerns about the safety of women working in entertainment.

The allegations against Jani Master surfaced when a 21-year-old woman filed a complaint with the Raidurgam police station on September 11. Initially, the police registered a ‘zero FIR’ due to the nature of the allegations, which involved incidents dating back to 2019 when the victim was just 16 years old. The case was later transferred to Narsingi police station for further investigation.

According to reports, the woman began working as an assistant choreographer for Jani in 2019. She alleges that during a shooting schedule in Mumbai, he sexually assaulted her in a hotel room where they were staying with other male dancers. The victim claims that Jani used his position of power to manipulate and threaten her, warning her not to disclose the assaults or she would face dire consequences in her career.

The police have charged Jani under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376 (punishment for sexual assault), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt). Additionally, sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were invoked due to the victim’s age at the time of the alleged offenses.

After the complaint was filed, Jani Master reportedly went into hiding, switching off his phone and avoiding contact with authorities. However, Cyberabad Police’s Special Operations Team managed to track him down and apprehended him at a hotel in Goa. He was subsequently produced before a local court and is expected to be brought back to Hyderabad on a transit warrant.

Jani Master is well-known in the Telugu film industry for his choreography work in popular movies such as Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise. His arrest has led to significant repercussions within the industry. Following the allegations, he was suspended from both his position in the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and from activities related to Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party.

The victim’s allegations have sparked discussions about the pervasive issue of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry. Many women have come forward over the years with similar claims against powerful figures in film and dance. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding power dynamics and exploitation faced by women working in these fields.

In response to these events, Telangana Women Commission has taken up the case and requested police protection for the survivor. They are also establishing a monitoring committee to oversee such cases within the film industry. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce has initiated its inquiry into Jani Master’s conduct, promising transparency and cooperation with any government agency that seeks information regarding this matter.

Jani Master’s wife, Sumalatha, who is also a choreographer, has publicly defended her husband. She claims that there is no truth to the allegations and suggests that there may be ulterior motives behind them. She expressed disbelief at the accusations and stated that if any evidence were presented against her husband, she would reconsider their relationship.

As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding both Jani Master’s actions and the broader implications for workplace safety in the entertainment sector. The case has already drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny, reflecting society’s growing intolerance towards sexual harassment and abuse.

This incident marks another chapter in an ongoing dialogue about gender equality and safety for women in various industries across India. With heightened awareness and advocacy for victims of harassment, there is hope that such cases will lead to meaningful changes within workplaces.

The arrest of Jani Master serves as a reminder that allegations of sexual misconduct will be taken seriously by authorities and society alike. As more individuals come forward with their stories, it becomes increasingly critical for industries to implement strict measures against harassment and ensure safe environments for all employees.