Bollywood broker JD Raut arrested for molesting and cheating aspiring actress

Krishna Pujari

BOLLYWOOD broker-cum-estate-agent Abhinash Raut alias JD has finally been arrested by officials of the the DN Nagar police station in Andheri (west) for molestation, defamation and other misdeeds on Friday. Raut is learnt to have offered an aspiring actress help with her career in exchange for sex, telling her that the practice is common in Bollywood.

On July 14, 2016, the DN Nagar police station registered an FIR (copy with ABI) under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 500 (defamation) of the IPC. On July 15, 2016, the police arrested him. Interestingly, Raut was already in DN Nagar police custody for similar charges. He was picked up red-handed from Delight Inn hotel, Andheri, late in the night on July 13, 2016. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Arun Chavan confirmed about arrest of JD Raut.

Remember, on May 27, 2016, ABI (abinet.org) published an article under headline “B-Town Broker promises aspiring actress performance letter from Yash Raj Films if she sleeps with him”.

According to reports, Raut claims to be producer, director, actor and casting director in Bollywood. He also provides flats on rent and takes brokerage for it. His Facebook status stated that he is an employee of Fox Star Studios. After publication of the news on ABI about his tall claims, he removed his status.

In January this year, aspiring actress Nafisa Ahmed (name changed to protect identity), a resident of Manakpur in Nagpur, came in touch with Raut through her Facebook friend Deepti Sahu.

Nafisa contacted Raut, who said that he owned ABCD Entertainment Production House and was producing the film Happy Days. Raut informed her that if she wanted to be an actress then it would be necessary to compromise. Nafisa refused his proposal strictly. Then Raut said, “Tab to tumhe chhota-mota hi role milega. Agar badi heroine banana hai to compromise karo ya paisa invest karo.”

After a lot of talking Nafisa came to Mumbai with starry dreams and Raut met her at City Mall, Andheri. Raut again suggested she go for the lead role as she deserved it because of her beauty and good figure. The only thing was that she would get it in exchange for sex. Raut also promised that he will arrange a performance letter of Yash Raj films. Based on YRF letter she could easily get a role in any leading production house.

Nafisa refused to compromise at any cost. Raut arranged for her to stay as a paying guest in his flat at Borivali. He took Rs 15,000 deposit for room, Rs 7,000 rent, Rs 7,000 brokerage, actor registration fee Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 for artist card. While returning in auto-rickshaw Raut hugged and kissed her on lips. When Nafisa opposed it he said that it is common in Bollywood. “Come on baby, itna to karna hi padta hai.” Nafisa stayed nearly one month at Borivli but Raut failed to give her a role or return the deposit money.

Nafisa came to know that DN Nagar police officials had picked up Raut for similar charges, and she rushed to the police station to register her FIR.

“Yes, I have registered FIR against Raut. He is a big fraud. I am thankful to DN Nagar police, mainly ACP Arun Chavan, for giving me justice,” said Nafisa.