FIR filed against Dhurandhar production designer over sexual harassment allegations in Chandigarh

Chandigarh Police have registered a case against Saini S Johray, the production designer of the upcoming film Dhurandhar, following allegations of sexual harassment and wrongful confinement made by a woman who had worked on the project as an assistant art director.

The woman alleged that Johray summoned her to a room at the Taj Hotel in Chandigarh under the pretext of a professional discussion and later sexually harassed and physically assaulted her. She also claimed that an intoxicating substance had been mixed into her drink, causing her health to deteriorate rapidly.

Investigators identified Johray as a resident of Oberoi Springs in Andheri West, Mumbai. He had recently attracted attention in the film industry for designing a large-scale replica of Pakistan’s Lyari Town in Thailand for Dhurandhar.

According to the complaint, Johray introduced himself as her mentor and claimed to be an alumnus of the Delhi College of Art, which she said helped build her trust in him professionally.

The complainant alleged that within days of joining the production, Johray invited her to a room at the Taj Hotel in Sector 17, telling her it was for a work-related discussion. She said she initially believed other members of the crew would be present, only to later discover that no one else had been invited.

The woman further alleged that Johray repeatedly instructed her not to disclose details of the meeting to others, allegedly warning that doing so could damage her professional reputation within the industry.

According to her statement, she arrived at the hotel at around 8.30 pm on September 10, 2025. She alleged that Johray pressured her into consuming alcohol and prepared a drink containing a mixture of wine and rum, insisting that she finish it despite her reluctance.

She claimed that within minutes she began experiencing severe dizziness and repeatedly asked to leave the room, but alleged that she was prevented from doing so.

The complaint also detailed allegations of inappropriate physical contact during what Johray allegedly described as a bachata dance lesson. The woman claimed that he forcibly pulled her close and made unwelcome advances while her physical condition worsened.

According to the complaint, she vomited several times over the next 20 to 30 minutes and repeatedly requested to return home. She further alleged that while she was vomiting in the bathroom, Johray entered and continued to touch her inappropriately.

The woman also accused him of forcing her onto a bed and pressuring her to stay overnight in the hotel room. She stated that she was physically weak, frightened and unable to resist, and eventually left the hotel the following morning using a bike taxi to return home.

The complainant additionally alleged that Johray continued to harass her afterwards by filing complaints against her, which she claimed caused further mental distress.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. The allegations outlined in the FIR represent the complainant’s version of events, while the accused has obtained bail as legal proceedings continue.