Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, a National Award-winning choreographer, was arrested by the Cyberabad police in Goa on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
The arrest follows allegations of sexual assault and rape by a 21-year-old woman who had worked with him as a junior choreographer.
The case came to light when the victim filed a complaint on September 11, detailing years of sexual harassment starting when she was just 16. The allegations include multiple instances of assault during outdoor shoots and at her residence, with the abuse reportedly beginning in 2019.
The woman’s complaint was initially registered at Raidurgam police station before being transferred to Narsingi police station, where an FIR was lodged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt.
Jani Master, known for his work in films like ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ ‘Bahubali: The Beginning,’ and for winning the National Film Award for Best Choreography for ‘Thiruchitrambalam,’ was charged under the IPC and also under the POCSO Act due to the victim’s age at the time the abuse began.
The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce suspended Jani Master from his position as president of the Telugu Film and TV Dance Directors Association. Moreover, the Jana Sena Party, of which Jani Master was a member, barred him from participating in any party activities.
The Telangana State Commission for Women has also intervened, providing police protection to the victim and promising a thorough investigation.