#MeToo update: Actor Alok Nath booked for rape of writer-producer

A rape case has been registered against actor Alok Nath by the Mumbai Police based on a complaint filed by a writer-producer, who had accused him of raping her nearly two decades ago, police said. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Oshiwara police station on Tuesday night, a senior police official said.

Alok Nath has been booked under Indian Penal Code section 376 (rape), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone IX, Paramjit Singh Dahiya said. The complainant, known for a 90s TV show, had alleged in a social media post last month that the actor had raped her 19 years ago.

The complainant had given an account of the alleged sexual assault in the post soon after actor Tanushree Dutta's complaint of harassment against Nana Patekar sparked what is known as India's #MeToo movement. Nana Patekar has denied the allegations.

In recent months, #MeToo has been gaining momentum in India with women calling out comedians, journalists, authors, actors and filmmakers.

The writer-producer had submitted a complaint against actor Alok Nath at the police station on October 17. He refuted the allegations and filed a civil suit against the complainant. He had also sought Re 1 as damages for allegedly defaming him.

The complainant, though she did not name Alok Nath in her social media post, referred to him as the actor who is known as the "most Sanskari person" in the field of acting. Nath is known for playing characters endorsing 'moral values' in films such as Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, Hum Saath Saath Hain and Vivah.

The Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) had earlier this month expelled Alok Nath in view of the rape allegations against him. The #MeToo movement, which began in Hollywood a year ago, has seen thousands sharing their stories of sexual harassment.

The movement has resulted in the fall of Bollywood stalwarts such as Nana Patekar, Sajid Khan, Subhash Kapoor, Vikas Bahl, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik and Rajat Kapoor.