The Mumbai Police on Wednesday charged acclaimed Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap with a rape case based on the complaint of an actress who alleged him of forcing himself on her, in a tweet on Saturday. Mr Kashyap has gone on to deny the allegations calling them to be "baseless" and has been receiving strong support from many reputed names in the film fraternity. A rape case had been filed against the popular director-producer on Tuesday night after the actress along with her lawyer Nitin Satpute approached the Versova police station, the Mumbai police said. 

"Finally FIR has been lodged against accused for the offence rape, wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement and outraging modesty of woman," Mr Satpute tweeted. The police told news agency PTI that the statement of the actress is being recorded, while adding that she accused Mr Kashyap of raping her in 2013 at a place on Yari Road in Versova. The police further stated that the filmmaker will be called in for questioning in regard to the accusations. 

Earlier, the actress had tagged the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Twitter on Saturday seeking action against Mr Kashyap, with the National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Rekha Sharma issuing a response saying the actor "may send me the detailed complaint". Mr Kashyap, later through his lawyer Priyanka Khimani in a statement said that the false allegations against him have left him deeply hurt, while calling them as "malicious and dishonest" and added that he shall proceed with legal action in the matter. He further stated that the accusations against him only undermine the seriousness of the #MeToo movement, which rocked the film industry last year.

Speaking to ABN Telugu, the actress claimed Mr Kashyap named three other actresses as being "just a call away." She cited in her response to Mr Kashyap, "You have given a chance to Richa Chadha, Mahie Gill, Huma Qureshi... they are so nominal looking girls. Generally directors don't give them chance but you have done a great job. But I am not mentally prepared for this right now (sic)."

Since the statement by the actress, Richa Chadha has sent a legal notice, while Huma Qureshi responded posted a note on social media stating the remarks have left her angry and added that Anurag Kashyap never misbehaved in an improper manner with her or anyone else. Since the controversy began, Mr Kashyap has received support from a number of Bollywood personalities, including ex-wives Kalki Koechlin and Aarti Bajaj defending him on social media.