Filmmaker Shakeel Noorani, 73, known for directing films such as Bade Dil Wala and Joru Ka Ghulam, has been arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with an alleged rape and sexual assault case filed by a 33-year-old actress.
Noorani was taken into custody by the Malvani Police in the early hours of August 8. The case has been registered under Sections 64(2)(M), 123, 351(2) and 88 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Actress Claims She Met Noorani in 2016
According to the complaint, the actress first met Noorani at an awards function in Lokhandwala in 2016. She allegedly said that the filmmaker spoke to her about a forthcoming project and asked her to stay in touch regarding work.
The actress later allegedly visited Noorani’s residence in Malvani after being called to discuss a script.
Actress Alleges She Was Drugged and Threatened
In her complaint, the woman alleged that Noorani offered her a drink during the visit, following which she lost consciousness.
She further alleged that after regaining consciousness, the filmmaker showed her a video on his mobile phone and threatened to circulate it if she approached the police or informed her family.
According to the allegations in the FIR, the purported video was subsequently used to intimidate her and she was allegedly sexually assaulted on multiple occasions.
The actress also alleged that Noorani repeatedly gave her contraceptive pills following the alleged encounters.
Shakeel Noorani’s Lawyer Calls Allegations False
Noorani’s lawyer, Advocate Vikas Singh Goar, has rejected the allegations and said the filmmaker has been falsely implicated.
“The allegations made by the actress are yet to be established before a court, and the investigation is underway. Noorani is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,” he said, as reported by Mid-Day.
Court Sends Filmmaker to Police Custody
After his arrest, Noorani was produced before the Borivali Holiday Court.
Police sought custody of the filmmaker as part of their investigation, including to recover and examine the alleged video and determine whether similar alleged offences may have taken place at other locations.
The court subsequently remanded Noorani to police custody until August 12.
The allegations against the filmmaker have not been established in court, and the police investigation is currently underway.
