Kolkata actor lodges complaint over 'kiss without consent'; innocent, says director
Times of India | 11 September 2024
Arindam SilArindam Sil KOLKATA: The actor, who alleged that director Arindam Sil kissed her in public during a film shoot without her consent, has lodged an FIR on Monday night. Sil said he has faith in the judicial system and has proof to prove his innocence.
The FIR was registered on Monday under sections 354 (using force to outrage the modesty of a woman) and 509 of IPC, which pertains to the act of insulting a woman's modesty through words, gestures or actions.According to the FIR, on Apr 3, Sil had harassed the survivor at a resort off NH-117 during the filming of a movie.
The actor told TOI that despite issuing a letter of apology to her at the West Bengal Commission for Women's office, Sil continued to engage in falsehood. "Given the criminal nature of his actions, I decided to lodge an FIR to ensure that he faces exemplary punishment. On Apr 3, he touched me inappropriately and kissed me on my cheek, despite the fact that the scene he was describing did not even involve a kiss. Rather, it was meant to be shot in a manner that merely implied one," she said.
"To exacerbate the situation, my co-actor began making sexually explicit and tasteless jokes, further contributing to my discomfort. When I mustered the courage to confront the director about his behaviour, he dismissively mocked me, saying, 'Oh, didn't you like it?' I was appalled that someone could have the audacity to comment this way. I retreated to the make-up room and informed the owner of the production company (my employer). However, I received no immediate response. I also notified the company's representative, Sandip Sathi, who assured me that he would address it," she said.
Some questioned whether her professional or personal ties with West Bengal Commission for Women chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay influenced her decision to approach the organization first instead of police. She said, "I share the same professional relationship with Magic Moments and Surinder Films and have done an equal number of projects for both. The plaint to WBCW has nothing to do with my professional ties with any production house. According to POSH guidelines, I first needed to inform my employer. So, I informed my producer verbally and then through text. I engaged in multiple meetings with the production company. I later also informed WBCW."
Sil said that he was "following all legal procedures". "They are making an issue by using the press and social media. I have faith in the law and truth will be revealed. I am not insane that in front of everyone I will do such a thing. I have numerous witnesses - right from my DOP to my assistant directors," Sil said.
Sil added, "I am in Kolkata. Pre-production work for various projects is on. My producers are supporting me. I will go on the floors when it is time." The actor-director also criticized WBCW for reacting "unilaterally". "I have sent two mails to them and told them that I want to provide all photographs to them. But they haven't replied," he said.
Gangopadhyay said: "Both parties were called for a hearing. Everything is recorded. He had sent two emails since the case is subjudice."