Actor Vijay Raaz acquitted in 2020 sexual harassment case

advertisement

Mumbai, May 16: A court in Maharashtra on Thursday acquitted Bollywood actor Vijay Raaz in a sexual harassment case filed by a colleague in 2020, holding that the “prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence against him”.

advertisement

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Gondia) Mahendra Sorte dropped the charges under IPC sections 354-A (sexual Harassment) and 354-D (stalking) pressed against the actor.

A crew member had alleged that the actor sexually harassed her during the shoot of the movie ‘Sherni’ about five years ago.

As per the complaint filed at the Ramnagar police station in Gondia, the alleged offence was committed between the night of October 25, 2020, and the morning of October 29, 2020.

On November 4, 2020, Raaz was arrested in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, where the film crew was staying. He was released on bail the same day.

The complainant stated that the incident took place in a hotel, but the investigating officer did not visit the spot, the order said.

The judge said the complainant mentioned the names of two to three persons working at the hotel, but their statements were not recorded.

“The investigating officer did not conduct any further investigation. Therefore, the evidence presented by the prosecution appears weak and insufficient. Even the seized CCTV footage does not clearly show the accused committing the alleged act,” the court said.

The prosecution has “failed to conclusively prove the guilt of the accused”, so the benefit of doubt goes to the accused, held the court.

The court said the oral evidence presented by the prosecution was not sufficient to convict the accused. Hence, he is acquitted, it added.

The actor’s lawyer Saveena Bedi Sachar said that Raaz, who was shooting near Nagpur for ‘Sherni’, had to not only leave the film shoot midway but also lost work thereafter.

advertisement

Since he has now been declared innocent, this case should serve as an example for people who declare every accused as guilty as soon as allegations are levied against him, the advocate added.

Raaz is known for his roles in films like ‘Stree’, ‘Delhi Belly’ and ‘Dedh Ishqiya. (PTI)

advertisement

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Poor visibility halts search for Sonam  

Hek supports CBI probe demand in tourist murder   Shillong/Indore, June...

Health dept warns of action in case of ‘clinical negligence’

Shillong, June 6: The Health department has warned of...

Family of Assam woman killed in Meghalaya road mishap demands probe

Guwahati/ Shillong, Jun 6: Family of a 25-year-old Assam...

JSU seeks CUET centre at Jowai

Shillong, June 6: Keeping in view the recent trouble...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img