#MeToo: IFTDA to take decision on Alok Nath’s and Sajid Khan’s sexual misconduct charges in a week

By Vandana Srivastawa

on November 24, 2018

Alok Nath and Sajid Khan who were named in the #MeToo movement for their sexual misconduct might have fresh trouble looming at them. The Indian Film and Television Director’s Association (IFTDA) along with its mother organization Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said that they will be reaching on a decision regarding the sexual harassment charges against the actors within a week.

Regarding Sajid’s and Alok’s case Ashoke Pandit, President of IFTDA said, “As far as Sajid's case is concerned we have heard both the parties, Sajid and the girls. ICC will sit in a week's time and take a call on the judgment and the federation will be there, along with the lawyers."

[caption id="attachment_170828" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Saloni Chopra alleged Sajid Khan harassed and misbehaved with her[/caption]

Talking about the sexual harassment allegations that Tanushree Dutta levied against Nana Patekar and which started the #MeToo movement in India, Pandit further said, “We cannot handle the case as both Tanushree Dutta and Nana Patekar are a member of CINTAA. One of the parties should be our member. We have cases of Sajid Khan and Vinta Nanda and we have taken their cases.”

He also said that regarding the rape charge that Vinta Nanda has levied against Alok, the body will arrive at its decision within a week. He said, “We heard Vinta day before yesterday, ICC heard her. Alok Nath has not come, we have informed him thrice. His lawyer has sent a letter saying, he will not attend. If he wants to, he will attend the office bearer meeting of IFTDA, which is not possible. ICC will take a call, both the decisions will be made within a week.”

[caption id="attachment_147933" align="aligncenter" width="1065"] Vinta Nanda has accused Alok Nath of rape[/caption]

Pandit asserted the fact that both FWICE and IFTDA are aggressively working towards building a safe, secure and workable atmosphere in the industry for women. He said, “We are creating awareness and that arrogance of power will not be allowed. We have women in a lot of departments, not just acting. We are entering into mass media and educational institutions that are related to our industry. We want to make next-generation aware of these things. The workplace has to be safe, formal, and dignified. We know the mission will take time."

[caption id="attachment_170831" align="aligncenter" width="400"] IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit[/caption]

The media industry has been rocked by a series of complaints levied against several notable names recently and now most organizations are taking action on the complaints registered and brought forth by women about the demeaning, toxic, hostile, misogynistic and sexist environment prevalent in the industry.