Veteran actor Alok Nath, who has been accused of rape by writer-director Vinta Nanda, filed for an anticipatory bail at the civil and sessions court in Dindoshi on Thursday (14 December). The plea was filed before additional sessions judge SS Oza.
The matter has been adjourned till 20 December after Faranaaz Karbhari, Nanda’s lawyer, sought time to file an intervention plea opposing Nath’s bail application.
On 21 November, the Mumbai police had filed an FIR against Nath, under section 37 of the Indian penal code, for allegedly raping Nanda 19 years ago.
Nanda had opened up about the incident through a Facebook post on 8 October. She accused Nath of allegedly spiking her drinks and raping her at her own house.
In response, Nath’s wife, Anshu, filed a defamation suit of Rs1 against Nanda. Soon many other women spoke out against Nath alleging sexual harassment on different ocassions. Anshu also filed for an injuction against Nanda which was promptly rejected by the Mumbai sessions court.
The Cine and TV Artists’ Association (CINTAA) sent a show cause notice to Nath but the actor refused provide any explanations. CINTAA has since expelled Nath ‘until further notice’.
With the matter now being fought in court, CINTAA will no longer pursue it as the body is not authorized to take action in sub judice cases.