Rakesh Maria: Ankit Tiwari’s performance at Umang was a mistake

The annual event Umang 2015 of the Mumbai police was recently held at Andheri. The gala event had Bollywood celebrities performing for the Police personnel and their families. It was attended by politicians and Police bigwigs. The performance by rape accused Ankit Tiwari at the event sparked off a controversy. Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria apologized and said Tiwari’s performance at the annual Mumbai Police event was a mistake.

Police Commissioner Maria said, “I admit it was a mistake. It has happened inadvertently. We told the company that we do not want any controversy or controversial people at Umang. There were certain names we told them not to include in the list of performers. However, unfortunately this has happened. On seeing him (Tiwari) on stage, it immediately struck us that he’s facing a police case. Hence, his performance was stopped abruptly.”

The controversy sparked off after the 25-year-old was seen singing, along with his co-performer, on a number from the soon-to-be released horror film ‘Alone’, at the Andheri Sports Complex. Ankit along with his brother was arrested for allegedly raping girlfriend after promising to marry her. His brother was arrested for allegedly threatening the victim with dire consequences if she made the sexual assault public.

Tiwari was booked under sections 376 (rape) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, while his brother was charged with criminal intimidation. Both are currently out on bail.