Tue Sep 17 15:01:26 UTC 2024: ## Acclaimed Choreographer Jani Master Accused of Sexual Abuse, FIR Filed
**Hyderabad, India:** Renowned Telugu film industry choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, has been accused of sexual abuse and assault by a woman. An FIR has been registered against him on charges of rape, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt, based on the complaint filed by the victim on September 11.
The victim, who was allegedly first approached by Jani Master at the age of 16 after she signed a television show, claims that she was sexually assaulted by him in a Mumbai hotel room during a shoot. She alleges that he demanded sexual favors in exchange for work and threatened her against reporting the incident.
The woman, who claims to have been repeatedly assaulted by Jani Master during film shoots, further alleges that she was forced to look for work elsewhere due to the harassment. This allegedly angered Jani Master and led to him, along with his wife, assaulting her.
Following the FIR, the Jana Sena Party, led by actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, has asked Jani Master to stay away from their functions and activities.
Police are investigating the case and considering if Jani Master could be booked under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) due to the victim’s age at the time of the alleged first assault.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry. Jani Master has choreographed several hit songs including “Butta Bomma” from Allu Arjun’s 2020 movie “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo”. He also received a national award for the song “Megham Karukatha” from the film “Thiruchitrambalam”.
**In other news**, the ICC has declared equal prize money for men and women in World Cups, with the women’s T20 World Cup purse increasing by 225% to USD 7.95 million. This achievement marks a significant milestone in cricket’s history and highlights the commitment to gender equality in the sport.
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