FIR against TVF Arunabh Kumar, no arrest yet

The Mumbai Police has booked TVF CEO Arunabh Kumar for alleged sexual harassment. A Mumbai woman filed the FIR against Arunabh for molesting her during an interview.

Quoting a police spokesperson, media reports said the Mumbai police have registered a case against Arunabh under sections 354 A (causing sexual harassment) and 509 (insult the modesty of a woman by indecent words, gesture or acts) of Indian Penal Code.

Arunabh has not been arrested. Summons will be issued to him, and his statement will be recorded. However, he may apply for anticipatory bail. Speaking to YourStory from Mumbai, advocate Rizwan Siddiquee, who had earlier filed a complaint against Arunabh said, “My original complaint stands as it is, the police have not acted on it.”

Rizwan, who in the past has represented Bollywood celebrities, including director Vikram Bhatt and actor Kangana Ranaut, takes up social causes and has been helping women with legal support in cases of sexual harassment. As part of his social work, he produces short videos to educate the public on legal topics, including how to file FIR, deal with rape cases and more.

Rizwan says that often women are hesitant to come forward and file a case of harassment as they are fearful of the system. He welcomed the FIR against the TVF CEO, who has been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women after an anonymous blog post by Indian Fowler alleged that her molestation and harassment lasted more than a year and that she was prevented from leaving because of a binding contract she had with the company.

The allegation opened a can of worms with more women coming out on social media against the TVF boss. In his defense, Arunabh had told a newspaper that he was only complimenting women by referring to them as “sexy”. He was reported as saying, "I am a heterosexual, single man and when I find a woman sexy, I tell her she's sexy. I compliment women. Is that wrong? Having said that, I am very particular about my behaviour."