Choreographer Jani Master, whose real name is Shaik Jani Basha,had his National Award suspended for Best Choreography by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The suspension follows serious sexual assault allegations made against him by a woman who worked as his assistant choreographer. Jani had recently been released on interim bail to attend the National Film Awards ceremony.

Jani Master had won the award for choreographing the song Megham Karukkatha from the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam. He shared the honor with co-choreographer Sathish Krishnan. However, the National Film Awards Cell issued an official statement suspending the award in light of the ongoing investigation. The Ministry clarified that the suspension will remain in place until further orders, given the seriousness of the charges.

National award suspended
Image Source: BollywoodShaadis

Award suspended during ongoing legal case

The Ministry’s decision to suspend the award came after Jani Master was arrested in connection with the sexual assault case. The letter, issued by the National Film Awards Cell and signed by deputy director Indrani Bose, stated, “In view of the seriousness of the allegation and the matter being sub judice, the Competent Authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha until further orders.”

The Ministry also withdrew Jani Master's invitation to attend the National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for October 8 in New Delhi. Although he had been granted interim bail this week, it appears he will no longer be participating in the ceremony.

Serious allegations against Jani Master

Jani Master’s legal troubles began on September 19 when he was arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police. He was then brought to Hyderabad and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. The allegations were made by a former assistant choreographer who accused Jani of sexually assaulting her during a work trip to Mumbai in 2020. She also claimed that he continued to harass her after the incident and threatened her not to report it.

The police investigation revealed that the victim was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, leading to the inclusion of sections under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act, 2012. According to her statement, the sexual assaults took place at various shooting locations and even at her residence. She also alleged that Jani Master pressured her for sexual favors and attempted to force her into marrying him. The case against Jani Master is still under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected.

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