• Source:JND
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Choreographer Jani Master's National Award has been suspended by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This came after a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case was filed against him. Choreographer Shaik Jani Basha is popularly known by the stage name Jani Master. This decision came a day after he was granted four days of interim bail to attend the ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on October 8.

The letter, signed by deputy director of the cell Indrani Bose, reads, “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.”

The cell also withdrew its invitation to Jani Master to attend the National Film Award ceremony.

Jani Master was arrested in Goa by the Cyberabad police on September 19. He was then brought to Hyderabad and produced before a city court after which he was remanded for 14-day judicial custody. 

As per reports, a woman, who worked as Jani Master’s assistant alleged that Jani Master had sexually assaulted her in 2020 during a work trip to Mumbai. She also added that the choreographer continued to sexually harass her and threatened her not to speak up. The statement also said that Jani sexually assaulted her multiple times during work trips and even harassed her at her residence. She also alleged that he demanded sexual favours from him.