National Commission for Women closes Anu Malik’s sexual harassment case due to lack of evidence

Anu Malik’s comeback on the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol 11’ was much debated given the #MeToo allegations levelled against him. The makers and the singer received tremendous backlash for being back on the show. Singers like Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin, Caralisa Monteiro, Shweta Pandit and few others had accused Malik of sexual harassment. Owing to the outrage, the show dropped Malik from the show.

However, the latest reports state that the case against Malik has been closed due to lack of communication and evidence against him.

According to a Mumbai Mirror report, it shows a letter written by Barnali Shome, Under Secretary, National Commission for Women (NCW), to Madhuri Malhotra, head, Standards and Practices, Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited, saying that NCW had taken cognizance of Sona Mohapatra’s twitter post.

In Sona’s tweet, it was alleged that Anu Malik was made to judge youngsters on national television, ignoring testimonies of several women of sexual harassment and assault. The letter further stated, “The Commission is in receipt of your response dated 06/12/2019 in the matter. In view of the above, I am directed to apprise you that the Commission has closed the case due to lack of communication/substantial evidence sought from the complainant.”

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NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma, told Mirror, “Responding to a complaint, we wrote to the complainant. She said she was travelling and whenever she returns, she will visit us. We waited for around 45 days. We had also asked for some documents, but after that, she never responded. The complainant had informed us that there are more women who have complaints against Anu Malik and we told her that they can also file a complaint with us but none of them have responded yet. “

However, she also stated that its not a permanent closure of the case. If the complainant comes forward or brings more evidence or submits any kind of document, the case will be reopened.

After Malik stepped down from the show, Himesh Reshammiya replaced him as the third judge in ‘Indian Idol 11’.

Also Read: ‘Indian Idol 11’: Himesh Reshammiya replaces #MeToo accused Anu Malik