Actor Accuses Jubilant FoodWorks CEO of Rape and Filming the Assault; Case Filed

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A Bollywood actress's allegations of rape and fraud against businessman Shyam Sundar Bhartia, Chairman of Jubilant FoodWorks and his associate Pooja Singh have led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Thane police. This action comes after the actress petitioned the Bombay High Court, claiming police inaction on her initial complaint filed three months prior.

The actress, represented by advocates Mohammed Ahmed and Sofiya Shaikh, alleged that Bhartia, whom she met through Singh, expressed interest in investing in her project. Following this, she and Singh travelled to Singapore at Bhartia's invitation. There, the actress claims she was drugged and then brutally raped by Bhartia, while Singh allegedly filmed the assault. She further alleges that the two used the video to blackmail her, forcing her into subsequent meetings in Mumbai and Delhi.

The actress also alleges financial fraud. Singh reportedly established a company to which Bhartia initially pledged a Rs 50 crore investment. However, only Rs 9.44 crore was invested, and Singh allegedly transferred this sum to her account without the actress's knowledge. Singh also allegedly used forged digital signatures to remove the actress as a company director.

Despite filing a complaint with the Thane police in November 2024, the actress claims no action was taken, prompting her to approach the High Court. During the hearing, Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale questioned the police about the delay. Following the court's intervention, the police assured them that an FIR would be filed after recording the actress's statement.

Consequently, the court disposed of the petition, emphasizing that the police investigation must proceed based on the merits of the case. The FIR has been registered under various sections of the law, including those related to rape, insult, criminal intimidation, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.