Mumbai Police File Sexual Harassment Case Against Actor Sharad Kapoor

Background of the Case

Mumbai police have registered a sexual harassment case against actor Sharad Kapoor. The case stems from a complaint made by a 32-year-old actress and producer from Goregaon. Kapoor is known for his work in films such as Josh, Lakshya, and Dastak. He strongly denies the allegations, claiming they are false.

Details of the Complaint

The Khar police registered the case on Wednesday night. Investigations are currently ongoing. According to the police, the complainant is a well-known actress-producer. She operates her own production house and is active on social media. She frequently creates and uploads reels and videos.

Over the last three months, the complainant received messages on Facebook. These messages were from someone claiming to be Sharad Kapoor. At first, she ignored the messages. However, after repeated attempts to contact her, she decided to verify the sender’s identity. She asked for a video call to confirm if it was indeed Kapoor.

On November 26, she received a video call from the number she believed belonged to him. During the call, Kapoor allegedly expressed his interest in her social media profile. He mentioned wanting to work with her and invited her to his office to discuss potential opportunities. He provided her with his contact number and address for the meeting.

The Encounter

That same evening, the complainant arrived at the address. To her shock, it was not Kapoor’s office. Instead, it was his home. An elderly housekeeper answered the door and directed her inside. When she entered the house, Kapoor allegedly called her to his bedroom.

Upon reaching the bedroom door, the woman reported seeing Kapoor completely naked. This surprised and shocked her. She immediately stepped back and expressed her discomfort. She told Kapoor that she did not feel comfortable talking to him in that state. She urged him to put on some clothes. In response, Kapoor allegedly insisted she enter the room. He reportedly said, “Please come and hug me and kiss me.”

The complainant refused his advances. She then claimed that Kapoor physically assaulted her. She described how he allegedly “hugged” and “groped” her despite her protests.

Escape and Aftermath

The woman said she managed to escape the situation. Later that evening, she claimed Kapoor sent her a photo along with a link to explicit content on WhatsApp. The FIR indicates he also sent a voice note. In this note, he claimed the photo was of his girlfriend. He allegedly used abusive and vulgar language towards the complainant.

Feeling traumatized by the incident, the complainant approached the Khar police. She filed a formal complaint detailing the events. The police booked Kapoor under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). These include Sections 74, 75, and 79, which cover assault, sexual harassment, and actions intended to insult a woman’s modesty.

Current Status of Investigation

As of now, no arrest has been made. The alleged offenses carry a punishment of less than seven years. Following Supreme Court guidelines, this does not warrant immediate arrest. However, the police have issued a notice requiring Kapoor to appear for questioning.

Sharad Kapoor’s Response

In response to the allegations, Sharad Kapoor firmly denied any wrongdoing. He told reporters, “I am in New York. I was not in the country at the time of the alleged incident. I have never done anything wrong and would never imagine doing so.” He added that he met the woman only once. Kapoor described the complaint as completely false and assured that his representative would respond to the police notice shortly.

Reactions and Implications

The case has attracted significant attention. Many in the film industry are closely monitoring the investigation’s progress. While Kapoor’s defense claims the allegations are unfounded, the complainant maintains her account and insists on being truthful. She believes justice must be served.

This incident contributes to the ongoing discussion about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. It highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency in handling abuse allegations. As the investigation continues, the police are gathering further evidence and examining the case’s details.

Conclusion

This developing story reflects the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual harassment in the entertainment sector. Both sides present strong arguments. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how authorities will address these serious allegations. The case underscores the critical need for safe environments within the industry and emphasizes the importance of listening to all voices involved. The public awaits updates as the situation evolves, hoping for clarity and justice in this troubling matter.