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The winner of 2007 Miss India International title, Esha Gupta in a Twitter post to Smriti Irani alleged that she has no clue of the case by NCW in which she is being dragged. The actress claimed that she came to know about the development only through Twitter.
"Why is this the first time m hearing about it through the tweets. If we do a paid promotion, it’s our work. Just by tweeting and giving out in news a case can not be made on false pretext. I don’t know the truth behind NCW case, but to accuse me of something like is defamatory," actress posted in a series of tweets.
What Is The Sexual Assault Case Against Modelling Firm All About?
A Social activist and Founder of People Against Rapes in India, Yogita Bhayana few days ago posted a video on social media accusing a person named Sunny Verma of duping and exploiting young girls who aspire to work in the modelling industry.
Sunny Verma is the promoter of IMG group - the leading Model Making Group of India who has been accused of blackmailing and sexually assaulting a number of women on the pretext of providing them modelling opportunities.
In conversation with news agency IANS, Bhayana said "I have now received several letters, texts and audio clips from several girls as proof of this modus operandi of Sunny Verma and IMG Ventures. The girls have given details of sexual harassment under the condition that their names and identities will not be revealed. They have also shared their chat screenshots and audio call records with Sunny Verma. The chats are full of demands of sexual favours from Sunny Verma."
The activist further in her complaint mentioned the names of many Bollywood celebrities including Mahesh Bhatt, Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela , Mouni Roy, Rannvijay Singh, Prince Narula and Esha Gupta for initially promoting the modelling firm and then disassociating themselved with Sunny Verma and his bad deeds.
"I want to convey that if these people can unofficially ask IMG Ventures to remove their videos from their website why did they not answer or reply to NCW in today's hearing? They are double-faced people who want to disassociate with Sunny Verma and his bad deeds and at the same time are afraid to say that they were associated with him in the past," the social activist told IANS.
Action Taken By National Commission For Women
Upon acknowledging the matter, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma issued a notice to Mahesh Bhatt, Urvashi Rautela, Esha Gupta, Rannvijay Singha, Mouni Roy and Prince Narula for recording of witness statements on a complaint received from Yogita Bhayana alleging sexual and mental assault on several girls by Promoter of IMG Ventures, Mr Sunny Verma and his accomplice.
Sharma in a Twitter post earlier today informed that "these people have neither bothered to respond nor attended the scheduled meeting" despite directing to appear before the Commission and intimating the same through all possible modes of communication.
As per the latest development, NCW has taken serious note of their non-appearance and adjourned the meeting to next date on August 18 at 11.30 AM. Sharma said that a formal notice will be sent again and non-appearance will be followed by action as per our procedures.
Esha Gupta Responds To NCW's "Notice On Tweet"
Reacting on this, Esha Gupta lashed out at the authorities for endangering her family by the derogatory tweet issued by NCW.
Also READ: Esha Gupta Gives It Back To A Troll For His Vulgar Comment On Her Post
"I just spoke to your concerned person Kanchan ji, she told me she msgd everyone and couldnt find my contact. Please explain do you take responsibility if something happens to me or my family by this derogatory tweet issued by NCW."
"I told your representative Kanchan ji, who’s contact I got from your handle ma’am,she admitted she couldn’t find my contact. Please try and get justice to the ones who deserve it and let’s not create controversies. Tomorrow I might need you as well"
Stay tuned for more updates!