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Jani Master Case: Sexual Harassment Allegations Take a Communal Twist
Tollywood choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, widely known as Jani Master, is facing severe allegations of sexual harassment that have rocked the Telugu film industry. A former female assistant accused him of sexual assault, leading to an official investigation by the police and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. However, what began as a legal investigation has now taken on a communal dimension with the involvement of political figures, sparking widespread controversy.
The Allegations and Legal Investigation
The case against Jani Master escalated when a woman who worked under him filed a complaint accusing the choreographer of sexual harassment during outdoor shoots and in private settings. The woman alleges that the harassment began when she was a minor, and continued for years. Based on these accusations, the Cyberabad Police registered a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) case against Jani Master. The complaint was initially lodged as a Zero FIR at Raidurgam police station before being transferred to Narsingi police, where the victim resides.
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce also formed a committee to investigate the allegations. According to Tammareddy Bharadwaj, a member of the panel, the committee will submit a report within 90 days, although efforts are being made to conclude the investigation sooner. In the meantime, Jani Master has been temporarily suspended from his role as the president of the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association.
Political Angle: Love Jihad Allegations
The controversy deepened when Telangana BJP’s Mahila Morcha president, Shilpa Reddy, accused Jani Master of indulging in “Love Jihad.” Reddy claimed that Jani Master, a Muslim, was using his position to convert Hindu women to Islam under the guise of marriage. She criticized the Telangana Police for not arresting Jani Master despite the serious nature of the accusations.
“This is a clear case of Love Jihad,” said Shilpa Reddy, adding that it was becoming common for Muslim men to trap Hindu women for religious conversion. She further questioned why Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, had not taken decisive action to arrest Jani Master.
These allegations have added a communal twist to the already sensational case, with the BJP calling for immediate action. The term “Love Jihad” has historically been used to frame cases where Muslim men are accused of seducing Hindu women with the intent of converting them to Islam, and its application in this case has sparked further debate and controversy.
Women’s Commission Steps In
The Telangana State Women’s Commission has also entered the scene. Chairperson Narella Sharada received a complaint from women’s rights groups, demanding strict action against Jani Master. As the police investigation gains momentum, the involvement of the Women’s Commission is expected to put further pressure on authorities to expedite the case.
The Tollywood Fallout
The Jani Master case has sent ripples through the Tollywood film industry. While the investigation is still ongoing, the controversy has prompted broader discussions about harassment within the industry. Adding fuel to the fire, actress Poonam Kaur recently reignited past allegations of harassment against a prominent Tollywood director, claiming that the industry did not take her complaint seriously at the time.
With these new developments, the Jani Master case seems to be only the beginning of what could become a larger reckoning for Tollywood. As the investigation unfolds and political involvement intensifies, all eyes are on how this high-profile case will play out in the coming weeks.
What started as a sexual harassment allegation against Jani Master has now become a politically charged and communally sensitive issue. With political figures, women’s rights organizations, and the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce all involved, the case continues to dominate headlines. Whether this case will lead to meaningful changes within the Telugu film industry or fade into controversy remains to be seen.
The Jani Master saga highlights not only the ongoing issues of harassment within the entertainment industry but also the complexities that arise when such cases take on a communal and political dimension.
