In the wake of the #MeToo movement, filmmaker Vipul Shah was also accused of sexual misconduct by ‘Sacred Games’ fame Elnaaz Norouzi. Now, the Indian Film And Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) has given a clean chit to the director after interrogation by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee. For the uninitiated, Elnaaz accused Vipul Shah of trying to kiss her on various occasions and also grabbing her butt in the pretext of a movie audition.
A letter by IFTDA has been published in Bombay Times where it is stated that Vipul Shah was ready to face Elnaaz and the consequences if he was found guilty. Elnaaz didn’t show up as she refused to cooperate. The letter read as: “We are pleased to inform you that after interrogation by the POSH Committee in its meeting held on February 12, and Ms Elnaaz Norouzi’s reply dated January 26, obstructing the cause of natural justice by refusing to disclose the facts, the Internal Complaints Committee unanimously gave its recommendation, which is: ‘Ms Elnaaz Norouzi has not cooperated with the POSH inquiry, therefore the ICC is left with no option but to proceed ex parte and to pass an ex parte order dismissing the allegations against Mr Vipul Amrutlal Shah and to absolve him of any impropriety or improper and unethical conduct and the allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment. The efficacy, correctness and purpose of the allegations made in the news report remain unverified.”
Elnaaz wrote back to IFTDA saying that she will approach them when she feels the need to do so.
