Vijay Raaz acquitted of sexual harassment and stalking charges over lack of evidence

Vijay Raaz. Pic/Instagram

Actor Vijay Raaz had found himself in hot water after he was accused of sexual harassment and stalking charges filed by a colleague in 2020, but now he has gotten some relief from the Judicial Magistrate's Court in Gondia after the judge announced him not guilty in the case.

Vijay Raaz get a clean chit in sexual harassment case

Actor Vijay Raaz, known for his roles in Stree, Delhi Belly, and others, has been acquitted of sexual harassment and stalking charges. The court found him innocent after completing the trial, and he was acquitted of all charges against him.

The judgment, pronounced by Judge Mahendra Keshao Sorte, cleared that Vijay Raaz is not guilty as he has been given a clean chit under Indian Penal Code Sections 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354-D (stalking), citing lack of evidence and failure of the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It was in October 2020 when a female crew member accused the actor of unwelcome physical contact and a below-the-belt remark during a film shoot at Hotel Gateway in Gondia and later at Jatashankar College in Balaghat.

While Vijay Raaz's lawyer stated that not only did the actor have to leave the shoot midway due to these accusations but also lost work thereafter, he has now been declared innocent. She hopes that this case serves as an example for people who declare every accused person guilty as soon as allegations are levied against them.

More about Vijay Raaz case

According to the FIR filed on 3 November 2020, the actor allegedly tried to touch the complainant, adjusted her mask without consent, and made comments about her physical appearance. The woman later reported the incident to her seniors and filed a complaint at Ramnagar Police Station.

The incident dates back to November 4, 2020, when Raaz was arrested in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, over allegations of molesting a crew member at a hotel where the film crew was staying. He was released on bail the same day.

However, after being found not guilty, the court also ordered the cancellation of Raaz's bail bond, the return of the surety amount, and the destruction of the seized footage after the appeal period. He has been directed to furnish a surety bond of Rs. 7,000 for six months under Section 437-A of CrPC to ensure his presence if any appeal is filed.

(With inputs ANI)