After suspension from DAEI, FIR filed against Tollywood director Arindam Sil for sexual misconduct

After being suspended for an indefinite period by the Directors Association of Eastern India (DAEI) based on sexual misconduct allegations, Tollywood director Arindam Sil finds himself in more serious trouble. An FIR has been lodged against the filmmaker of Tollywood at Bishnupur police station, South 24 Pargana.
An actress of the Bengali entertainment industry came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Arindam Sil a few days ago.The actress claimed that she was subjected to sexual misconduct on the set of a project directed by Sil. She alleged that the director asked her to sit on his lap and kissed her on the cheek while posing to explain a shot. The complaint was filed with the state’s women’s commission, leading to three hearings involving Arindam Sil.
On Friday, Arindam Sil appeared before the Women’s Commission once again and issued an apology. In his letter, he expressed regret, stating, “If the actor has been insulted by my unintended behaviour, I sincerely apologise for it.”
However, Arindam Sil claimed that he was explaining a scene to his actors on the sets of the film in the presence of a male actor, the DOP, a still photographer, his assistant director and other technicians. In his defence, the director offered an explanation that, while showing the shot, his face and her cheek had accidentally brushed. According to Arindam Sil, the accidental act was unintentional and he apologised as well. However, the director still maintained that he had his costume assistant, his still photographer and the executive producer as witness to the incident.

The shoot of the project was being held at a resort in South 24 Pargana, which is near the Bishnupur police station. Hence, the FIR has been filed at the said police station.
Arinadam Sil was suspended by the Directors Association of Eastern India (DAEI) for an indefinite period on Saturday. The suspension came into force with immediate effect after the announcement was made on Saturday evening.
For the unversed, this is not the first time allegations of sexual offense against Arindam Sil have surfaced. Well-known Tollywood actress Rupanjana Mitra had accused the filmmaker of sexual abuse a few years back. Interestingly, the director was seen participating in the protest demonstration demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim and her family and walking at the ‘Reclaim the Night’ rally on August 14.