Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria on Monday admitted that playback singer Ankit Tiwari's performance at the annual Mumbai Police event Umang-2015 in Andheri on Saturday was a mistake. Tiwari was earlier arrested on rape charge.
Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria on Monday admitted that playback singer Ankit Tiwari's performance at the annual Mumbai Police event Umang-2015 in Andheri on Saturday was a mistake. Tiwari was earlier arrested on rape charge.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and a number of policemen, including Maria, attended the programme. Fadnavis, however, had left the venue by the time Tiwari arrived on stage.
"I admit it was a mistake. It has happened inadvertently," Maria said in response to Tiwari's performance.
The controversy sparked off after the 25-year-old was seen singing, along with his co-performer, on a number from the soon-to-be released horror film 'Alone', at the Andheri Sports Complex.
Maria clarified that the event management company looks into the content of the programme and not the police. "We told the company that we do not want any controversy or controversial people at Umang. There were certain names we told them not to include in the list of performers. However, unfortunately this (Tiwari's performance) has happened," Maria said.
"On seeing him (Tiwari) on stage, it immediately struck us that he's facing a police case. Hence, his performance was stopped abruptly."
Another officer said Tiwari's performance won't be shown when the event is aired on TV.
The singer was arrested last May for allegedly raping his girlfriend on several occasions, after promising to marry her. His brother had also been arrested for allegedly threatening the victim with dire consequences if she made the sexual assault public.
Tiwari was booked under sections 376 (rape) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, while his brother was charged with criminal intimidation. Both are currently out on bail.
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