Director Sanoj Mishra, who recently announced a film featuring viral Mahakumbh girl Monalisa, has been arrested in a rape case. His arrest was made by Nabi Karim police after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea. Mishra is accused of repeatedly raping a young woman who aspired to become an actress.
The victim alleged that she came to know Sanoj Mishra on TikTok and Instagram in 2020 when she was residing in Jhansi. They kept in contact with each other, and on June 17, 2021, Mishra allegedly came to Jhansi railway station, insisting on meeting her. When she refused, he threatened to commit suicide, compelling her to meet him. The following day, he repeated the threat and called her to the railway station again.
According to the FIR, Mishra took the victim to a resort, where he allegedly drugged and raped her. He also took objectionable photographs and videos to blackmail her. The victim also claimed that Mishra repeatedly took advantage of her in the name of marriage and promised her film roles. He kept calling her to various places, forcing her into physical relationships.
According to charges, Mishra enticed the victim with fake assurances of an acting career in films. Taking advantage of her dreams, he promised her a career in the film industry and repeatedly abused her.
Sanoj Mishra had recently made a public announcement about his new film, The Diary of 2025, which will star Monalisa, the girl who rose to viral popularity for selling beads at the Mahakumbh Mela. It was also rumored that Mishra was offering Monalisa training for acting as a debutante.
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His arrest has reignited the old raging debate around casting couch which has harmed the reputation of the Hindi film industry.
