Papon refutes sexual assault charges; girl child's family supports him
What's the story
Yesterday, Papon found himself in an unwanted controversy where he was accused of forcing himself on a minor girl contestant he has been mentoring on 'The Voice India Kids.'
Denying any such act on his part, the singer said it was his way of showing affection to the eleven-year-old.
The incident took place during a Facebook live session.
Details
Papon defends himself, says had no wrong intentions
Angarag Papon Mahanta, also known as Papon, said in his defense, "I am very painfully conscious of the accusations that have been made against me. Anyone who knows me would be aware that I am an extremely affectionate and expressive person and I have always been like that with people I care about."
A complaint was filed against him by a Supreme Court lawyer.
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The singer requested everybody to not jump to conclusions
"My request to everyone is to pause and think about how much harm this does to the people involved. I have a loving wife of over 14 years and two children. There is a little girl involved. Our families are being destroyed forever," he said.
Not a sexual assault
The minor girl's family sides with Papon
Making Papon's case stronger, the father of the said victim girl has labeled it an accidental move and blamed the faulty camera angles to depict it as sexual assault.
"Papon sir is a mentor, a father figure to my daughter. What you saw in the video is not intentional. It was just a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise," he said.
He apologized
Papon knows where he went wrong
Although he did not agree with the allegations being leveled against him, the singer accepted that he did make a mistake.
"However, this is not to say that I haven't made a mistake. I might have done it spontaneously but in today's environment, to touch a girl child, however innocent your thoughts are, is not advisable. I am sorry for that," he said.
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The channel too issued a clarification
"We have always been focused on the safety, security and well-being of the contestants. We have always adhered to the NCPCR guidelines and our production house, Essel Vision Productions Limited, has taken all precautionary measures required under NCPCR and other laws," the channel said.
A firm no
Runa Bhuyan refused to withdraw her complaint
Even after getting to know that the family of the contestant has refuted the charges, Runa refused to take back the complaint.
"I don't have the matter in my hand. It is the commission's decision. The case will not be withdrawn, the video is in front of the Commission and its totally their call now," she said.