The hairstylist accused of groping a 23-year-old model-turned-actress has pledged innocence in his conversation with mid-day about the alleged incident. Sadiq Ansari has been accused of misbehaving with the woman during her hair spa treatment inside Lemon Salon at Andheri's Lokhandwala market. "I have been working as a hairstylist at Lemon salon for the past three months. Our job is to provide services to our customers. No one has ever accused me of misbehaviour. She is the first customer to make such an allegation against me."

"I am a poor but law-abiding person," said Ansari, who lives in Malwani with his uncle. "My parents live in Bijnor. I came to Mumbai to earn money for my poor parents and siblings. I am aware of the legal consequences of sexually harassing a female customer. I am a professional hairstylist and know that one mistake can ruin my career. The entire salon is under the surveillance of CCTV camera. If I have done anything wrong with her, my actions must be recorded in it," added Ansari, who was brutally beaten by the actress' boyfriend and his brother after the alleged incident on the evening of May 16.