Sajid Khan “Apologises” To IFTDA For “Causing Embarrassment” Adds, “Allegations Have Grieved My Mother And Sister Immensely”
A meeting between Sajid Khan and Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the IFTDA has been scheduled for tomorrow. Not only him, even Alok Nath has been called for a hearing by the same committee on the same day. Here are the details
Sajid Khan has been accused by a few women for sexual
misconduct in the ongoing #MeToo movement. A few days back, the
host-turned-director was asked by the Indian Film And Television Directors’
Association (IFTDA) to show cause against the allegations. He has now reverted
to IFTDA.
“I apologise to IFTDA if any embarrassment has been
caused to the association by the alleged accusation against me. These
allegations have not only caused irreparable harm to my career, but more
importantly, grieved my mother and sister immensely. At the outset, I deny the
complaints levelled against me as stated in your notice. I humbly request you
to not to form any one-sided judgement. I am always happy to extend any
cooperation to my association,” said Sajid, as reported by Bombay Times.
According to BT, a meeting has also been scheduled for
tomorrow (Nov 1) between Sajid and the members of the Internal Complaints
Committee (ICC) of the IFTDA. After Sajid responded to the show cause notice,
the association has said in their statement, “We have scheduled a meeting of
IFTDA ICC on Thursday, November 1 at IFTDA office to hear you for the POSH
(Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act enquiry, which is based on the principle
of natural justice and the alleged harasser is provided an opportunity before
any disciplinary action is taken. Therefore, attend the meeting as scheduled.”
President of IFTDA, Ashoke Pandit, spoke to BT about
Sajid’s case and said, “Four complaints were received by us against Sajid Khan,
which the ICC committee felt were serious. Hence, it was important to hear his
side also before taking any decision. IFTDA and its mother body FWICE
(Federation of Western India Cine Employees) have taken up this issue
seriously. Having said that, we will also not allow anybody to misuse this
law.”
He also mentioned that a similar meeting has been
scheduled for Alok Nath on the very same day. He has been accused by Vinta
Nanda (writer of 1990's famous show, Tara) of rape and sexual harassment, 19
years back.
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