Hyderabad: Choreographer Shaikh Jani Basha Arrested in Goa
Choreographer Shaikh Jani Basha, known as Jani Master, was arrested in Goa on Thursday by the Cyberabad Special Operations Team (SOT), confirmed DCP Srinivas.
The Cyberabad police had been searching for Jani following a sexual assault case filed by a 21-year-old woman choreographer who previously worked as his assistant. She accused him of multiple incidents of sexual assault, harassment, and intimidation.
Initially, a zero FIR was registered against Jani at the Raidurgam police station, which was later taken over by the Narsingi police. He was charged under relevant sections of the IPC. However, as the investigation progressed, authorities discovered that the allegations dated back to when the survivor was a minor. Consequently, sections of the POCSO Act were added to the case on Wednesday, escalating the charges to a non-bailable offense.
In light of the accusations, the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce suspended Jani from his position as President of the Telugu Film & TV Dance Directors Association. He has also been asked to refrain from participating in activities related to Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party.