#MeToo: Alok Nath sues Vinta Nanda over rape charges, demands Re 1 as damages

Bollywood actor Alok Nath, who was accused of sexual harassment in the #MeToo movement, on Monday filed a civil defamation case against writer Vinta Nanda and demanded a written apology and Re 1 as compensation for defaming him.

Nanda had accused Alok Nath of raping her 19 years ago. After Nanda’s shocking accusations, several other women also came out with similar allegations and accused the actor of harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

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Alok Nath, who is known for playing “Sanskari (of traditional values)” roles on TV, rebutted the allegations of sexual harassment and rape.

Meanwhile, Alok Nath’s wife Ashu Nath, who filed the case jointly with him, recorded her statement before a magisterial court and sought the initiation of defamation proceedings against Nanda.

The complaint filed by Alok Nath and his wife Ashu said, “The complainants (Nath and Ashu) have on October 12 addressed a letter to the Amboli police seeking action under sections 499 (defamation) and 500 of the Indian Penal Code against Nanda.”

The police, however, said that the nature of offenses was "non-cognisable" and it would be appropriate if an order is passed by the concerned court. 

 "We are, hence, seeking the court to pass necessary direction to the Amboli police station in-charge to take cognisance of our complaint and hold an inquiry," the couple said in the complaint.

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Because of the "baseless allegations", Ashu and Alok Nath were "terrorised" to even step out of their house as people are looking at them with a "different attitude", the complaint added.

(With PTI inputs)