Following a complaint alleging mental torture and sexual comments lodged by an actress, the Powai police station filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Asit Modi, the producer of popular television show “Tarakh Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma”, executive producer Jatin Bajaj, and operation head Sohail Rehman.
“An actress filed an online complaint and we advised her to register an FIR. She registered the FIR on the night of June 19. We are investigating the matter,” said Senior PI Budhan Sawant.
The FIR was filed against the three under Indian Penal Code sections 354 (attack or use of criminal force on a lady with the aim to violate her modesty), 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult a woman’s modesty), and 34 (common intention).
According to police, the 44-year-old actress, who worked on the sets of “Tarakh Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma” from 2008 to 2013, claimed that three members of the show’s team subjected her to mental harassment and made inappropriate sexual remarks.
“The actress gave her statement on May 24 and we encouraged her to file an FIR. We will call witnesses and determine the further course of action,” said DCP Zone 10, Datta Nalawade. The actress, however, expressed disappointment over the delayed action. “I am a little disappointed as the action was taken quite late. I had provided the names of three witnesses from the show and I have gathered evidence against all three accused. There was an extreme level of mental harassment on the sets of ‘Tarakh Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma’,” she stated.
The actress also acknowledged the importance of the FIR, saying, “The law will take its course.” The mere fact that the FIR has been registered is significant. It had been pending for several days, and it is a significant move.”
According to sources, producer Asit Modi has refuted all of the allegations. Modi branded the claims “baseless” and stated, “We will take legal action because she is attempting to defame both me and the show.” She has been making these bogus charges since we terminated her services.”
However, the show’s producer, project head Sohail Ramani, executive producer Jatin Bajaj, and the team of directors previously made a formal statement refuting all of the charges, claiming Mistry is motivated by vengeance in her work contract with the production house was terminated.
Mistry had stated her desire that the truth would be revealed only after the police had finished their investigation.
