Actor Alok Nath has finally spoken up on the allegations of sexual assault and rape levelled against him by writer-director Vinta Nanda. The actor was granted anticipatory bail by the court in Mumbai, after the Oshiwara police had booked the actor for rape last year.
Speaking to IANS, the actor said, “The honourable court and my lawyers have advised me to keep completely silent for now. In fact I’ve been quiet throughout. Maybe, some words escaped my mouth in my state of angst. But otherwise I’ve been lying absolutely low for the last three months.”
At the peak of the #MeToo revelations in India, writer-director Vinta Nanda had posted a story about her own abuse at the hands of Alok Nath on her Facebook page in October 2017. The writer’s statements were soon corroborated by four other women, who also accused the actor of misbehaviour. In view of Nanda’s charges, Oshiwara police booked the actor for rape, one month after Nanda filed a report against the actor. The Cine and Television Artiste’s Association (CINTAA) also temporarily expelled the actor after he refused to attend the hearings panel.
Explaining his silence, the actor said, “It is not right for me to make any comment at the moment. But yes, we (Alok and his team of lawyers) got anticipatory bail, and we’re very grateful for that. Now, when I am in a position to speak I will have a heart-to-heart with you.”
The actor also thanked his wife for her support during the time, saying, “She has been a pillar of strength for me. I am grateful to God that in my journey she has been my co-traveller throughout. She has been with me always. And my truth is her truth, and that’s God’s truth. So I am grateful to God for that.”
While the actor stated that he will ‘reveal’ the truth, he added that his next move will depend on the court’s orders and directions.