Director Sanoj Mishra Arrested For Rape Charges

In a shocking turn of events, film director Sanoj Kumar Mishra has been arrested by the Delhi Police on charges of rape, following accusations from a woman who claims he sexually exploited her under the guise of offering her a role in his film. This arrest comes on March 31, 2025, shortly after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail application.

Mishra, known for his film 'The Diary of Manipur,' gained notoriety earlier this year when he offered a role to Monalisa, a young woman who went viral during the 'Mahakumbh 2025.' The connection between Mishra and Monalisa has drawn significant media attention, especially given the grave allegations against him.

The victim, a 28-year-old aspiring actress, reported that her relationship with Mishra began in 2020 when they met through TikTok and Instagram while she was living in Jhansi. According to her statement, they exchanged messages and eventually met in person under troubling circumstances. On June 17, 2021, Mishra allegedly called her to the Jhansi railway station, where he threatened to commit suicide if she did not come to meet him. Under duress, she agreed to meet him.

Once she arrived, Mishra reportedly took her to a resort, where he drugged her and sexually assaulted her. The victim stated in her FIR that Mishra recorded objectionable pictures and videos of her during the assault, threatening to make them public if she resisted his advances. Following this, he promised her marriage and continued to exploit her sexually under the pretense of helping her secure acting roles.

As the relationship progressed, Mishra allegedly forced her to have three abortions. The victim claimed that after moving to Mumbai with him, he continued to abuse her and physically assaulted her multiple times. In February 2025, after four years of alleged exploitation, Mishra abandoned her, warning that he would release her explicit photos and videos if she reported him to the authorities.

The police registered a case against Mishra on March 6, 2024, based on the victim's complaint, which included charges of rape, assault, and threats. Following an investigation, he was arrested on March 30, 2025, in Ghaziabad.

The case gained further notoriety when Mishra's name was linked to Monalisa, as he had earlier claimed he would cast her in his upcoming film. This association has intensified public interest and scrutiny regarding the allegations against him.

In the wake of his arrest, a controversial interview Mishra gave to the media has resurfaced, where he made dismissive remarks about the MeToo movement and the Hema Committee report. He suggested that women, when in need, often cross boundaries and later lament their choices. His comments have sparked outrage, especially in light of the serious allegations against him.

Mishra's statements during the interview included, "I do not want to defend Bollywood. Such incidents happen in every industry, but in Bollywood, they are more pronounced. When needy girls cross limits, they later cry about it." He further added that if someone had been assaulted, they should have reported it immediately rather than waiting until they were older and seeking attention.

As the investigation continues, the police are reviewing the evidence and examining the claims made by the victim. The public reaction has been one of disbelief and anger, as many demand accountability for those in positions of power who exploit vulnerable individuals.

The victim's bravery in coming forward has been praised by advocates for women's rights, who emphasize the importance of supporting survivors of sexual violence. They argue that the entertainment industry must confront these issues seriously and make substantial changes to protect aspiring artists from exploitation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Sanoj Kumar Mishra and the broader implications of his case within the film industry. It raises critical questions about power dynamics, consent, and the treatment of women in the arts, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

In conclusion, the arrest of Sanoj Mishra is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in various industries, particularly in entertainment. The case not only sheds light on individual experiences of exploitation but also calls for a collective reassessment of how society addresses issues of sexual misconduct.