The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action after actress Shilpa Shinde admitted that the sexual harassment allegations she made against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! producer Sanjay Kohli were false.

On Friday, the association posted a statement on Instagram, calling the matter a serious concern for the film and television industry. The statement read, “A false sexual harassment allegation can cause irreparable damage to a person’s reputation, family, children, career and mental well-being. Such accusations can permanently tarnish an individual’s image and have devastating consequences not only for the accused but also for their Shilpa Shinde family members and loved ones.”

Condemning false accusations, the association added, “AICWA believes that if a person knowingly makes false allegations, it not only harms the accused but also undermines the credibility of genuine victims who come forward seeking justice.”

The association further stated, “It is important to make it clear that not all women make false allegations. Thousands of women in the film and television industry have genuinely faced harassment and exploitation and deserve support, respect, and justice. The actions of one individual should never be used to discredit or question the experiences of genuine victims.”