New Delhi: Bollywood actor Vijay Raaz who is popularly known for his comic roles was arrested a few days back for alleged molestation charges against him. The ‘Gully Boy’ actor was arrested from Gondia for allegedly molesting a woman crew member after a case was registered against him during the shooting of the Vidya Balan starrer movie ‘Sherni’. He was released on bail a day after his arrest. The actor has been temporarily suspended from the film due to the complaint and the makers have also set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to probe the molestation allegations reportedly.

Vijay Raaz Returns To Mumbai Amid Molestation Charges Against Woman Crew Member

Vijay Raaz, who started his career with a very small but impactful role in Ram Gopal Varma’s 2000 movie ‘Jungle’, has finally opened up on the molestation charges against him. The ‘Made In Heaven’ actor told that he is all open for investigation but terminating him from his upcoming films even before any sort of probe is shocking. Raaz told Bombay Times, “Women’s safety is of prime concern. I have a 21-year-old daughter, so I understand the gravity of the situation. I am all for an investigation by the authorities. However, to ostracise me, suspend and terminate my services from my forthcoming films even before any sort of investigation, is shocking. I have no words to express. It’s a very dangerous place to be in. I have been working in the film industry for 23 years!”

The ’Run’ actor continued, “Bohot mehnat se maine apna career banaya hai. Tinka tinka jodke maine apna ghar banaya hai. Anybody can sabotage anyone’s career? Kisine bol diya aur aapne maan liya that I am a harasser? People are bound to make judgements without hearing the other side of the story. No matter what the outcome of this case, aap pe ek thappa lag jaata hai. I have been pronounced guilty even before the investigation. My right to earn a livelihood is badly affected. Am I not the victim here? My old father who lives in Delhi, also has to face the society and so does my young daughter.”

A source informed the publication that the ‘Lootcase’ actor apologised to the woman in front of the entire crew when Raaz found out that putting his hands around her shoulder made her uncomfortable.

Vijay Raaz concluded by saying, “I have been working with the same crew for over a year. We play cricket on set. It’s how we are with each other. Yet, when I was told she felt uncomfortable, I apologised. This was in front of the entire crew. My apology meant I respect your feelings. But it didn’t mean that I acknowledged the claims made later at the police station. Saying sorry doesn’t always mean that you are wrong. It means you respect someone’s feelings more. I also have responsibilities and I need a job. Mere itney saalon ki mehnat can go down the drain if people jump to conclusions without verifying the claims. This should not be one-sided. Truth prevails but the damage is done.”

On the professional front, Raaz was last seen in ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ and ‘Lootcase’. He will next be seen starring in Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming movie ‘Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari’ and also in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ which stars Alia Bhatt in the lead role.

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