Singer arrested for sexually harassing radio jockey

Popular Telugu ghazal singer and brand ambassador of a web-based spiritual radio channel,  Kesiraju Srinivas, popularly known as 'Ghazal' Srinivas,  was arrested by the Panjagutta police here for  reportedly harassing a radio jockey for sexual favours.

The well-known singer was taken into custody on Tuesday morning following a complaint filed by the employee of the  channel.

According to the Panjagutta police, the victim submitted a video of a massage she was forced to perform on the singer and a recording of all the telephonic conversations took place between them during the past nine months.

"She made the complaint on December 29   along with evidence. We took time to verify the evidence and arrested him this morning (Tuesday)," Vijaykumar, ACP, Panjagutta said.

Srinivas, however, said that he is innocent. "She gave me a  massage as my physiotherapist couldn't come. She herself offered the service and as a closely knit office member I accepted, she is like my daughter," he told reporters.

The police registered a case  against the singer under Sections 354 (assault with intent to outrage modesty), 354D (stalking) and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC.