Last year, during #MeToo movement, music composer Anu Malik has been accused of sexual harassment by singers Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit.
The allegations surprised many in Bollywood and the singer had to step down as judge from the popular singing reality show Indian Idol 10.
Now, according to latest reports, the sexual harassment case against him has been closed. The report claims that the National Commission for Women (NWC) has closed the case “due to lack of communication/substantial evidence sought from the complainant”.
#MeToo case against Anu Malik closed
“Responding to a complaint, we wrote to the complainant. She said she was traveling and whenever she returns, she will visit us. We waited for around 45 days. We had also asked for some documents, but after that she never responded. The complainant had informed us that there are more women who have complaints against Anu Malik and we told her that they can also file a complaint with us but none of them have responded yet. This is not a permanent closure of the case. If the complainant comes forward or brings more evidence or submits any kind of document, we can reopen it,” states NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma to the portal.
The report also quoted from the letter: “The Commission is in receipt of your response dated 06/12/2019 in the matter. In view of the above, I am directed to apprise you that the Commission has closed the case due to lack of communication/substantial evidence sought from the complainant.”
Reacting to this, singer Sona Mohapatra took to social media to slam the National Commission Of Women for their decision.
She wrote, “Please note India, this is untrue. I have painstakingly collated all the multiple testimonies of several women & mailed the same to NCW. Requested to talk to the chairperson. Only received terse & unkind one liners in return from them. Zero concern & no real interest in women.”
Please note India, this is untrue. I have painstakingly collated all the multiple testimonies of several women & mailed the same to NCW. Requested to talk to the chairperson. Only received terse & unkind one liners in return from them. Zero concern & no real interest in women. https://t.co/GkYaB64QIc
— ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) January 17, 2020
Read also:
Himesh Reshammiya replaces #MeToo accused Anu Malik as judge on Indian Idol 11
Last year, singer Sona Mohapatra along with singers like Shweta Pandit had levelled allegations of sexual harassment against the composer. Following all this, Malik stepped down from the jury panel of the 10th season of the famous reality television show, Indian Idol.