Thane: Shyam Sunder Bhartia, the chairman of Jubilant FoodWorks, has been accused of multiple charges of rape and fraud against 34-year-old aspiring actress, resulting from incidents stretching over several months. The allegations surfaced when the complainant filed a First Information Report (FIR) on February 22, 2025, detailing multiple instances of sexual assault and intimidation involving Bhartia and three others, including Pooja Kawaljeet Singh.
The FIR, which has gained considerable media attention, includes serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections related to rape and criminal intimidation, and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This case is now under active investigation by the Thane police.
According to reports, the alleged victim had been attempting to break through the barriers of the film industry when she met producer Hashim Khan, who introduced her to Pooja Kawaljeet Singh. After Khan’s passing, Pooja assured her of help and introduced her to Bhartia, promising assistance to kickstart her career. Their first meeting at the Taj Hotel near Santacruz airport on May 2, 2023, seemed promising, but it quickly turned dark.
The FIR detailed chilling accounts where Bhartia invited her and Pooja to Singapore. Once there, the complainant alleged she was pressured to drink alcohol against her will. “Instead of stopping the assault, Pooja recorded the entire incident. She later blackmailed me, threatening to release the footage if I spoke about the incident,” she stated, marking the beginning of her torment.
This horrific pattern continued over the ensuing months, with allegations of repeated assaults occurring at various locales, including Bhartia’s residence and luxury hotels. The complainant described how she was coerced multiple times, once even blackmailed to meet Bhartia at the ITC Maratha Hotel, where she alleged she was raped yet again.
After enduring this traumatic experience, the victim faced not only physical threats from her alleged assailants but also verbal abuse, reportedly including caste-based slurs. The FIR indicates Bhartia and Singh reportedly used the footage recorded to threaten her, insisting she remain silent about the abuse.
Attempts to summon police action led the complainant to seek judicial intervention. She filed her FIR after three months of no police action, invoking the assistance of the Bombay High Court. During the proceedings, Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale questioned the police about their delayed response, which sparked acute scrutiny of Thane police’s handling of the case.
Upon inspection, the police were instructed to register the FIR and investigate the allegations based on their merits. An important aspect of this case lies within the tension surrounding power dynamics within the film industry, where many aspiring actors often find themselves vulnerable.
The reminder of this situation reflects broader societal issues. The film industry, long seen as glamorous, is also marred by dark realities related to abuse and exploitation. With high-profile allegations such as this against prominent figures, the focus is now on how such accusations are handled moving forward.
The severity of the allegations against Bhartia cannot be understated; they present significant legal ramifications, coupled with the possibility of impacts on his business endeavors. This situation presents a pertinent question about accountability and how victims are treated within the legal framework, especially when powerful individuals are involved.
Reports reveal the victim remains resolute, emphasizing the importance of bringing her assailants to justice. Her struggle might resonate with many, providing hope and encouragement to others enduring similar circumstances.
The investigation is expected to garner immense public attention, reflecting on the need for systemic changes within both the legal system and cultural perceptions surrounding such professional environments. It remains to be seen how this case will evolve and what it may mean for future victims seeking justice.