Telugu choreographer Sheikh Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, was sent to 14-day judicial custody by the Upparpally Court in Hyderabad on Friday, September 20. The choreographer was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Cyberabad Police in Goa on Thursday, September 19, following which he was produced in the court. Jani Master has been sent to Chanchalguda Central Jail in Hyderabad.

According to a report published in the hinduA senior officer investigating the case confirmed the news and said that the police will soon file a custody petition in the court. The officer said that given the sensitivity of the sexual assault charges levelled against the accused, they need to question him.

“The case is strong and there is little chance of getting bail. Discussions are underway about applying for his custody in the court. He will be questioned about the allegations levelled against him,” he said.

The police added the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) section in the FIR after recognising that the victim was still a minor, 16, when the alleged abuse first began. The FIR was filed against the choreographer earlier this week following a written complaint by a 21-year-old junior choreographer who alleged that Jani Master sexually abused her for six years during their outdoor shoots and at his residence in Hyderabad.

She also approached the Telangana State Women’s Commission and submitted a 40-page written document narrating her ordeal. The woman was later given police protection.

Jani has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 376 (2) (punishment for sexual assault), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt).

Meanwhile, the choreographer’s wife Ayesha denied all the allegations against her husband and questioned the victim’s decision to lodge a late complaint in the case. She also alleged that the woman had thanked the master for helping her career before accusing him of sexual harassment. The accused is yet to issue any statement in the case.