Choreographer Jani Master, who was arrested a few weeks ago under the charges of sexually assaulting and harassing a minor, was reportedly set to receive interim bail to attend the National Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 8. On Sunday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that the choreographer's national award, which he was set to receive for his work in Thiruchitrambalam, has been suspended under further orders, amid POCSO charges.
In a statement released by the National Film Awards Cell of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ministry stated that the award was announced, and the invitation was extended to Jani Master before the allegations of crime under the POCSO Act came to light.
"In view of the seriousness of the allegation, and the matter being subjudice, the Competent Authority has decided to suspend the National Film Award of the Best Choreography for the Year 2022 to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the film Thiruchitrambalam until further orders. Hence, the invitation extended to Shri Shaik Jani Basha for the 70th National Film Awards Function to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 8.10.24 is hereby withdrawn," the statement further read.
Besides being accused of sexually abusing his colleague multiple times, who was 16 years old when first such instance occurred, Jani Master was also accused of threatening the said colleague with physical harm if she disobeyed or reported the matter to higher authorities.
In September, Jani was booked under clauses (2) and (n) of section 376 (rape), criminal intimidation (506) and voluntarily causing hurt (323) of the IPC. A few days later, Jani had confessed to his crimes.
Meanwhile, after the charges were pressed against the choreographer, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce had ordered Jani Master’s suspension from the Telugu Film & TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association (TFTDDA), of which Jani was also the president.
