Veteran actor Vijay Raaz, known for his roles in Stree and Delhi Belly, has been cleared of all sexual harassment and stalking allegations stemming from a 2020 film shoot.
The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Gondia, Maharashtra, delivered the verdict on Friday, finding insufficient evidence to convict the 51-year-old performer.
Charges & Trial Overview
The case originated from allegations made by a female crew member on the set of Sherni, starring Vidya Balan, during a shoot in Gondia and Balaghat between October 25–29, 2020. According to the FIR lodged on November 3, 2020, Raaz was accused of unwelcome physical contact, including adjusting the complainant’s mask without consent, and making suggestive comments about her appearance.
Raaz was arrested on November 4, 2020, at Hotel Gateway in Balaghat and released on bail the same day. The prosecution presented CCTV footage and witness statements, but key testimonies failed to directly corroborate the alleged misconduct.
Court’s Findings
Presiding Judge Mahendra Keshao Sorte acquitted Raaz under Sections 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354-D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code. The judgment cited:
Lack of Direct Witnesses: Critical witnesses did not observe the incident firsthand.
Inconclusive CCTV Evidence: Video clips could not definitively confirm the accused’s actions.
Complainant’s Unavailability: The principal accuser passed away before she could testify.
Hostile or Unreliable Witnesses: Several prosecution witnesses recanted or failed to validate seizure procedures.
As a result, the court held that “the prosecution failed to prove the accused’s involvement in any sexual misconduct beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Aftermath
The court ordered cancellation of Raaz’s bail bond, return of the surety deposit, and destruction of the seized CCTV footage once the appeal window closes. Raaz must furnish a Rs. 7,000 surety bond for six months under Section 437-A of the Criminal Procedure Code to guarantee his availability should the state appeal.
Advocate’s Response
Saveena Bedi Sachar, Raaz’s counsel, welcomed the verdict:
“He has now been declared innocent, and I hope this case serves as an example for those who rush to deem every accused guilty upon mere allegations.”
With his name cleared, Raaz is expected to resume his film commitments without the shadow of these charges.
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