Veteran writer-producer of 1990s' show, who joined the #MeToo Movement in India, accused actor Alok Nath of sexually harassing her and raping her while she was working on the show. Following the allegations, Sanskaari Babuji, who's accused of sexually harassing several women, was issued a show-cause notice by The Cine And TV Artistes Association or CINTAA. However, Alok Nath, who responded to the notice, neither denied nor accepted the allegations but said in a statement that someone else must have raped her. The actor later even filed a defamation suit against Vinta for maligning his image. Alok Nath Sexual Harassment Row: Actor’s Wife to Sue Accuser for Re 1
In a statement, the accuser's lawyer said that they haven't received any proceeding orders as of yet. However, they replied saying that they will be fighting it out legally now. They also added, "My client will not be intimidated by threats and defamation suits which are primarily meant to delay and distract from the gravity of the allegations." Here's what the official statement reads: On instruction of my client it is clear that we are going to fight it out legally- so-called defamation proceedings are not served upon us as yet - however and whatever the proceedings will be - we will deal with everything following due process of law - at the moment we are awaiting the decisions of various association where my client has filed her complaint like CINTAA - Cine & TV Artistes Association, SWA - Screen Writers Association, IFTDA - Indian Film & Television Directors Association."
The statement further read, "Mr Nath is supposed to reply to CINTAA by today evening, IFTDA by Thursday this week and SWA is meeting me today at 430pm to understand. Pursuant to decisions, we will further decide our next step of action - it is pertinent to note my client is further humiliated in continuity for which we will legally take recourse ( we are a team of lawyers who will help her get justice ). She will not be deprived of any legal help she seeks. I would add, My client will not be intimidated by threats and defamation suits which are primarily meant to delay and distract from the gravity of the allegations. DhruTi M Kapadia - solicitor and advocate on record, SC of India,"
Alok Nath's wife Ashu Singh too moved an application in court against the accuser. In a complaint addressed to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Mumbai's Andheri Court, she has asked for the court to direct Amboli police to take cognizance of her complaint against the accuser and investigate the matter. Watch this space for further updates.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2018 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).