Trigger warning: This article contains mention of sexual assault.
Dance choreographer Jani Master has recently been permanently expelled from the Dancers and Dance Directors Association following sexual harassment allegations.
According to a report by Sakshi news portal, Jani Master was earlier suspended from the association, where he served as the president. The association held elections on December 6, 2024, during which choreographer Joseph Prakash was elected president, leading to the permanent exit of Jani Master. Notably, this is also Joseph’s fifth term as president of the association.
For those unaware, the Stree 2 choreographer is being accused of sexual harassment after a 21-year-old colleague filed a complaint against him. Following the complaint, he was arrested and detained by the police in Goa.
Police investigation alleges that the choreographer attacked the woman when she was a minor, with the victim claiming multiple instances of assault. As a result, she has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act as well as sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 323 of the Indian Penal Code.
The choreographer spent some time in jail before getting bail a few months ago. As part of the bail conditions, the court directed him not to interfere in the investigation or create any hindrance in the life of the victim. For this, he was also expected to cooperate fully in the ongoing investigation.
After being released on bail, the choreographer posted an emotional video on Instagram, in which he is seen returning home to his wife and children. The video captured the emotional moment when he hugged her after she spent 37 days in jail.
Check it out here:
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is suffering from any type of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, do not hesitate to seek help. There are many helplines available for this; Remember, you are not alone in the fight.
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