Bollywood actor Alok Nath, who is alleged to have sexually harassed writer-producer Vinta Nanda 19 years ago, was on Tuesday expelled by the Cine And Television Artistes Association (CINTAA).
The association wrote on Twitter, "In view of the various allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Alok Nath, after due diligence and consideration, the Executive Committee of CINTAA has decided to expel him from the Association."
As the #MeToo Movement gained momentum, with women coming out with their horror stories vis-a-vis sexual harassment at workplace, Nanda shared her account of sexual harassment by Alok Nath who was acting in the television show 'Tara' in which she was a producer and writer.
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"I have waited for this moment to come for 19 years," Nanda wrote in a long, heart-wrenching Facebook post, referring to the "predator in question" as "the actor par excellence who is known as the most 'sanskaari' (cultured) person in the film and television industry".
Nanda alleged that Nath sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion after he was fired from the 1993 show for misbehaving with its lead actor, Navneet Nishan.
After sharing her experience of harassment on social media, she filed a case against Alok Nath at the Oshiwara police station.
Since both Nanda and Alok Nath were members of CINTAA, the association sent a letter to the accused seeking an explanation on the allegation.
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The association had condemned the act of sexual harassment in October. Ashok Pandit, one of the members of CINTAA, had told IANS: "When the victim is complaining to us, we as the member of the federation will have to take a stand and we will do that."
Actor Sandhya Mridul had also opened up about her alleged sexual harassment at the hands of Nath during the shooting of a telefilm.
The actor, best known for her work in 1990-2000's TV shows such as "Banegi Apni Baat", "Swabhimaan" and "Koshish", shared details of her harrowing story in a lengthy Twitter note, saying the incident took place in the beginning of her career and shattered her confidence in the profession.
(With inputs from agencies)
