Indian film director charged for sexually assaulting American lady

A sessions’ court in Delhi framed charges against Peepli Live co-director Mahmood Farooqui.

Farooqui is in judicial custody since June 20. In July, Delhi Police charge-sheeted Farooqui under sections dealing with rape and destruction of evidence for allegedly raping the 35-year-old American woman.

Delhi Police had arrested Farooqui on charges of sexually assaulting a US national in mid-June this year.  In her complaint to the New Friends Colony police, the 35-year-old Columbia University student had alleged that Farooqui forced himself on her during a party on March 28.

According to the police, the complainant had approached Farooqui through a common contact for help with her thesis on Indian sects. She wanted information on the Gorakhnath sect in eastern UP’s Gorakhpur where Farooqui hails from. The woman said she became well-acquainted with him after a few meetings.

Farooqui’s wife Anusha Rizwi, who also directed Peepli Live, said the complaint was “manipulated and false”. As per the complaint, Farooqui invited the research scholar to a party at his Sukhdev Vihar residence on March 28. A senior police officer said, “The woman alleged that Farooqui got drunk at the party and took her to a separate room where he forced himself on her. She alleged that despite resistance from her, Farooqui imposed himself on her and misbehaved.