Karim Morani
, producer of films like '
Chennai Express
' and 'Happy New Year', has been accused of rape and blackmail. Hyderabad police has filed a case against the noted
Bollywood
producer.
Reportedly, following the complaint, a case has been filed under IPC section 417 for cheating, 376 for rape, 342 for wrongful confinement and 506 for criminal intimidation.
However, a statement issued by the producer's spokesperson denies the charges, 'The complaint is absolutely false and bogus with the sole intention of tarnishing Mr Morani's reputation and image. Mr Morani will be taking appropriate steps in accordance with law to demonstrate that complaint is malafide. He is truthful and innocent and has full faith in the judiciary and is ready and willing to co-operate with the authorities to the fullest extent."
The complainant, who is a friend of Morani's 28-year-old actress daughter Zoa (both worked together in Mumbai theatre), approached the police in Hyderabad alleging he had raped her many times, including twice at a prominent film studio in the city, between September and October 2015. She also alleged that she had been sexually assaulted many times in Mumbai.
Police said that in her complaint, the woman alleged that Morani had recorded her nude videos and photographs on his cell phone during intimate sessions and later blackmailed her by threatening to share them with friends.
She alleged that she was forced to keep quiet for so long because Morani had 'threatened to reveal their relationship'. She also told the cops that she chose to lodge her complaint in Hyderabad as Morani 'could use his influence to sabotage investigations' in Mumbai.
L B Nagar deputy commissioner of police Tafseer Iqbal told TOI, 'According to the complainant, the offence took place more than a year ago. We are now trying to gather evidence.' Police have not yet questioned
Morani
, and Iqbal said the police probe would be based on evidence they are able to gather in the coming weeks.