Jubilant FoodWorks chairperson denies rape allegations by aspiring actor
What's the story
A 34-year-old Thane-based woman, who is an aspiring Bollywood actor, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Jubilant FoodWorks chairperson, Shyam S. Bhartia, for rape recently.
Now, the firm has responded.
The company conveyed Bhartia's denial of the allegations, terming them "baseless, false and disparaging."
Bhartia also alleged the accusations have a "clear malafide intent."
The Bombay High Court has ordered police to investigate the case on its merits.
Allegations detailed
FIR was filed after a 3-month delay
The FIR, registered on February 22, accused Bhartia and three others of multiple counts of rape and criminal intimidation, reported Free Press Journal.
The Bombay HC questioned the police over a three-month delay in taking action on the complaint, resulting in the FIR.
Jubilant confirmed that Bhartia is willing to "fully cooperate with the investigation agency as and when called upon to do so."
The probe is on and no further comments are being made at this time.
Incident timeline
Complainant details alleged assaults and intimidation
The complainant, in her bid to enter Bollywood, met producer Hashim Khan in 2022, who introduced her to Pooja Kawaljeet Singh. After Khan's death in 2023, Pooja promised to help her break into the film industry and introduced her to Bhartia.
The alleged assaults occurred at various locations including Bhartia's Singapore bungalow and Mumbai hotels.
The complainant also accused Pooja's husband Kawaljeet Singh, and their daughter Mallika Kawaljeet Singh for allegedly abusing her over her caste.
Legal proceedings
Criminal writ petition led to booking of accused
Despite facing initial challenges in filing an FIR against Bhartia and others, a criminal writ petition was filed on February 5, 2025.
Subsequently, Kapurbawdi Police booked the accused under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as rape, and criminal intimidation and under provisions of the SC/ST Act.
More details are expected soon.