Mumbai Police files chargesheet against Ganesh Acharya for stalking, voyeurism
What's the story
The Mumbai Police has filed a chargesheet against popular choreographer Ganesh Acharya for sexual harassment, stalking, and voyeurism. These charges were brought against the Oo Antava choreographer on the basis of a complaint registered in 2020 by a dancer and assistant choreographer. The same year, another dancer had brought sexual harassment complaint against him. Acharya had denied all the allegations earlier.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In January 2020, a dancer alleged Acharya harassed her after she turned down his sexual advances. The dancer said the National Award-winning choreographer abused her and forced her to watch pornography. Even her Indian Film and Television Choreographers Association (IFTCA) membership was terminated, thereby stopping her income. Acharya was the IFTCA General Secretary at that time. Finally, a charge sheet has been filed now.
Details
Chargesheet was filed at Andheri court recently
Oshiwara police officer Sandeep Shinde told Hindustan Times on Thursday that the chargesheet was filed at the court of a metropolitan magistrate in Andheri recently. Acharya and his assistant have been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code including sexual harassment, voyeurism, stalking, insulting the modesty of any woman, causing hurt, and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
Information
Acharya is yet to comment on the latest development
While Acharya refused to comment on the chargesheet, the 35-year-old assistant choreographer told HT she was aware of the development in the case. "I don't have the chargesheet so I cannot say anything, but all the sections in the FIR were bailable," said Acharya's lawyer Ravi Suryavanshi. Meanwhile, this isn't the only complaint brought up against the Dehati Disco star.
Looking back
Tanushree Dutta, Saroj Khan have previously spoken against the choreographer
Apart from some dancers bringing sexual assault allegations against Acharya, he has been thrashed by actor Tanushree Dutta as well. Dutta, known to rage the much-needed #MeToo storm in Bollywood, had accused Nana Patekar of sexual harassment in 2008, and Acharya of supporting Patekar in the act. Even esteemed late choreographer Saroj Khan had said that Acharya exploited dancers. Acharya had refuted both claims.