Bollywood filmmaker Shakeel Noorani has been arrested in Mumbai over allegations of sexual assault by a 33-year-old woman, while his lawyer has denied the accusations.
WEBDESK – ZAINAB MIRAJ – SHARJAH NEWS
Director Taken Into Custody After Complaint
Bollywood filmmaker Shakeel Noorani, known for directing the 2000 comedy Joru Ka Ghulam, has been arrested in Mumbai in connection with allegations of sexual assault made by a 33-year-old woman.
According to police, Noorani was arrested by Malvani Police on August 8 following a complaint against him. The filmmaker was subsequently produced before the Borivali Holiday Court, which remanded him to police custody until August 12.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Noorani have not been proven in court.
Allegations Linked to Film Meeting
According to the police, the woman alleged that Noorani invited her to his residence in Malvani on the pretext of discussing a potential film project.
Police said the complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted at the filmmaker’s residence. The complaint also reportedly includes allegations that the woman was given a substance that caused her to lose awareness and that Noorani later threatened her with a purported video.
The authorities have registered a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 64(2)(M), 123, 351(2), and 88.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the meeting, the complainant’s allegations and any evidence that may support or contradict the claims.
Police Search and Arrest
Police officials said Noorani had allegedly been avoiding arrest for approximately 40 days before investigators traced him to a farmhouse in Maharashtra’s Satara district.
Following his arrest, officers brought him before the Borivali Holiday Court. The court subsequently granted police custody until August 12, allowing investigators additional time to question the filmmaker and continue their inquiry.
Authorities have not announced the full details of the evidence collected in the case.
Lawyer Denies Allegations
Noorani’s lawyer has denied the allegations against the filmmaker.
The legal defence’s denial comes as police continue investigating the complaint. At this stage, the accusations remain allegations, and the filmmaker will have the opportunity to contest the case through the judicial process.
Further proceedings are expected after the completion of the police custody period.
Noorani’s Bollywood Career
Shakeel Noorani has worked in the Hindi film industry as a director and filmmaker. He is best known for Joru Ka Ghulam, a comedy released in 2000.
The film featured Govinda in the lead role alongside Kader Khan, Twinkle Khanna and Johnny Lever. It was among the filmmaker’s better-known projects and remains associated with the popular comedy films of that period.
Noorani also directed Bade Dilwala, which starred Suniel Shetty in the lead role.
His work has primarily been associated with mainstream Hindi cinema, particularly commercial films featuring established Bollywood actors.
Investigation Continues
The arrest marks the latest development in a case that police say had remained active for several weeks before Noorani was located.
Investigators will now continue examining the complaint and gathering evidence while Noorani remains in police custody until August 12 under the court’s order.
As the legal proceedings continue, the allegations remain unproven. Any determination of Noorani’s guilt or innocence will ultimately depend on the evidence presented during the judicial process.
The case has attracted attention because of Noorani’s previous work in Bollywood and the serious nature of the allegations. Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses and court proceedings continue.
