Tollywood choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, better known as Jani Master, was remanded to 14-day judicial custody by the Upparpally court in Hyderabad on Friday, September 20. He has been sent to Chanchalguda Central Jail.
Jani Master faces accusations of sexually assaulting his assistant, who was a minor at the time. He has been charged under several sections, including those for sexual assault and criminal intimidation, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The choreographer, who was arrested in Goa a day prior, is a national award winner and has worked on popular songs across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films.
The Raidurgam police initially registered an FIR against Jani on September 11, and the case has since been transferred to the Narsingi police station for further investigation.
The survivor alleged that Jani Master sexually assaulted her multiple times during various shoots. She claimed that he not only abused her physically but also mentally, and would inappropriately touch her on set, often in the presence of others. According to her, Jani would threaten to fire her and ruin her career if she refused to comply with his demands.
Jani Master, who was arrested in Goa a day before being sent to judicial custody, has choreographed numerous hit songs across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. His association with major stars and films has made him a recognizable figure in the Indian entertainment industry.
The case has also impacted Jani Master’s political affiliations. A member of Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party, the choreographer has been asked by the party to step back from all activities following the FIR.
As the investigation unfolds, Jani Master remains in judicial custody at Chanchalguda Central Jail, and the industry awaits further developments in this high-profile case.