Alok Nath files defamation case against Vinta Nanda over rape accusation

Pic Courtesy: TV show still

New Delhi: The #MeToo wave has hit Bollywood after it created a storm in the West. Several B-Town biggies have been accused of sexual harassment charges, leaving the fans in a state of shock and disgust. Writer-producer Vinta Nanda alleged in her Facebook post that Alok Nath not only harassed her but also raped her back in the 90s.

After she shared the incident through a social media post, it went viral with various other female colleagues of the senior actor accusing him of sexual harassment.

Read her full post here:

Alok Nath and his wife filed a defamation case against Vinta over rape accusations. The couple filed a complaint in a local court seeking defamation proceedings to be initiated against writer-director Vinta Nanda for accusing him of rape. According to PTI, "In the complaint filed before the Andheri metropolitan magistrate, Nath and his wife sought a direction to the suburban Amboli police station to take cognisance of the letter sent by them in which they sought defamation proceedings against Nanda."

The complaint filed by the couple says, "The complainants (Nath and Ashu) have on October 12 addressed a letter to the Amboli police seeking action under sections 499 (defamation) and 500 of the Indian Penal Code against Nanda."

The police, however, said since the offences are non-cognisable in nature, it would be appropriate if an order is passed by the concerned court of law, it said.

"We are, hence, seeking the court to pass necessary direction to the Amboli police station in-charge to take cognisance of their complaint and hold an inquiry," the complaint said.
"The complainants have suffered grave and irreparable loss, harm and injury which could never be compensated in terms of money," the complaint read.

"Without commenting on anything about her (Nanda), the fact remains that all such occasions, such as the #MeToo campaign, are being encashed by way of utilising the social media for the purpose of either gaining some name and fame or for the purpose of defaming the reputation of a person," the complaint said.

It added that because of the 'baseless allegations', Ashu and Alok Nath were 'terrorised' to even step out of their house as people are looking at them with a 'different attitude'.

The senior actor is known for his portrayal of 'sanskari' babuji or the elderly figure in movies and TV shows. These accusations have sent shock waves down the spine as Vinta's account is chilling.

Several actresses who have worked with Alok Nath previously have vouched for his harassing behaviour towards women. Known television and film celebrities such as Himani Shivpuri, Deepika Amin, Sandhya Mridul among others have backed Vinta for speaking out the truth.

Bollywood is currently hit by #MeToo wave as several big names such as Nana Patekar, Sajid Khan, Kailash Kher, Chetan Bhagat, Rajat Kapoor, Vikas Bahl have been accused of sexual harassment.

It all started after actress Tanushree claimed in one of her recent interviews that Nana Patekar harassed her sexually in 2008 on the sets of her film 'Horn OK Pleassss' and also demanded to do an intimate dance step with her. She also named choreographer Ganesh Acharya, director Rakesh Sarang and producer Sami Siddiqui as accomplices in the harassment she faced.

After her shocking allegations, several Bollywood celebrities such as Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Farhan Akhtar, Sapna Pabbi, Kangana Ranaut have supported the actress. However, others have chosen either not to comment on it or back Nana Patekar. The senior actor has outrightly denied the allegations.

(With PTI inputs)