&TV official always focused on well-being of contestants'

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Feb 23 (ANI): &TV official, which hosts the show where Assamese singer, Angarag Papon Mahanta (famously known as Papon) kissed the minor contestant, on Friday clarified the channel have always been focused on the safety, security and well-being of the contestants.

"We as a channel have always been focused on the safety, security and well-being of the contestants participating in our shows. We have always adhered to the NCPCR guidelines and our production house, Essel Vision Productions Limited has taken all precautionary measures required under NCPCR and other laws. We believe in nurturing talent with utmost sensitivity and care, while we provide them the platform to showcase their aptitude," an official statement issued by the channel said.

"As a responsible channel, we are extending complete support to all parties, who are impacted by this incident and will stand by them to help them through this situation," the statement further reads.

However, the father of the contestant said in a statement that whatever people saw in the viral video is not 'intentional', infact a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise.

The father of the contestant said, "Papon sir is a mentor and a father figure to my daughter and has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. He doesn't differentiate amongst the children who are here and gives them equal guidance on pursuing their dreams. What you saw in the video is not intentional. It was just a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise. I would request and urge the media to not pursue this further."

Earlier in the day, a complaint has been registered against Bollywood singer Papon for 'inappropriately kissing a minor girl'.

The incident reportedly took place during the shoot of a Holi celebration on the sets of a Hindi singing reality show where the girl is among the contestants.

Supreme Court lawyer, Runa Bhuyan, filed a complaint against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

"I have raised the concern before the commission as this is a grave concern regarding the safety and security of those kids who participate in reality shows. They are at the disposal of those TV channels. We don't know how these kids are treated inside the platform. I hope the commission gives a proper response and also hold a proper enquiry," Bhuyan told ANI. (ANI)