Choreographer Jani Master’s National Film Award suspended due to POSCO case against a minor- Report

Choreographer Jani Master who has choreographed several popular songs was supposed to recieve a National Award for his choreography. However, his win was reversed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday. The I&B ministry have suspended his National award due to the POCSO case against a minor. The National Film Awards Cell of the I&B Ministry issued a statement that the award was suspended.

Jani Master national award has been suspended

The letter, signed by deputy director 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“. They have also withdrew their invitation to attend the event. Reportedly, he recently took an interim bail to attend the National award ceremony. He won the National Award for Best Choreography for Megham Karukkatha, the song from Thiruchitrambalam.

Shri Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master was arrested on September 19 after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Reportedly, the Telugu choreographer was arrested by Telangana police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The victim who worked with his as an assistant alleged that Jani Master had sexually assaulted her multiple times and continued the harassment since 2020. He even threatened her not to disclose it to anyone.

Also read: Stree 2 choreographer Jani Master accepts sexual harassment charges after getting arrested- Reports