The woman has alleged that Jani Master threatened her with physical violence if she dared to file a complaint and subjected her to mental harassment during photoshoots.
Telugu choreographer Jani Master, known for his work on major films like Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise, has been arrested following accusations of sexual harassment from a 21-year-old employee, who claims the incidents occurred over several years, including when she was a minor. He has been suspended by both the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and a workers’ union and was taken into custody in Bengaluru before being transferred to Hyderabad, according to NDTV reports.
On Tuesday, actor Jhansi, who chairs the panel investigating the sexual harassment claims, told NDTV that the allegations against Jani Master, which include rape and criminal intimidation, will lead to charges under the strict POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
Allegations made against Jani master include…
The young woman recounted that she first encountered Jani Master at an event in 2017. Two years later, he offered her a position as an assistant choreographer, which she eagerly accepted. Unfortunately, the alleged sexual assaults followed, including one incident at a hotel in Mumbai where they were staying with two other male dancers during a show.
She also accused master of threatening her with physical violence if she dared to file a complaint and described a pattern of mental harassment during rehearsals and photoshoots.
Several news reports suggested that Master even pressured Jhansi to convert and “marry” him, despite his existing marriage. On one occasion, she claims that both he and his wife entered her room and slapped her.
Jani Master’s political affiliation with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena party
Jani Master is also affiliated with actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena party, allied with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party. Additionally, Jana Sena is part of the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party at the national level.
The Jana Sena party has officially instructed Jani Master to refrain from attending its political events during this time. Amid rumours of his expulsion, Master clarified to local media that he remains part of the party and has no objections to following the leadership’s directives. He emphasised his commitment to the party’s integrity and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with their guidelines as they navigate the current situation.
Also Read:
