NEW DELHI: The director, who announced to do a film with Kumbh Mela viral sensation Monalisa, has been arrested in a rape case. The Delhi Police arrested Sanoj Kumar Mishra, who has directed more than 10 Hindi films. He was taken into police custody after the high court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in the case.

Sanoj Kumar and the complainant met through social media in 2020. At that time, the director was living in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi. After becoming friends, the woman told the police that the accused threatened to commit suicide and even met her in person. The woman alleged that on June 18, 2021, he took her to a resort drugged her and sexually assaulted her. Sanoj had taken her private pictures and videos to prevent her from revealing the incident.

Sanoj later got friendly with her again, promising to marry her and get her opportunities in films. In the meantime, Sanoj forced her for a live in relationship. The woman alleged that the accused repeatedly raped her and forced her to abort thrice. The two parted ways in February 2025.

Sanoj had threatened the complainant that he would release her private pictures if she filed a complaint against him. He has been charged with rape, abortion and intimidation. The police have collected medical records related to the abortion of the woman. 45-year-old Sanoj Kumar Mishra lives with his family in Mumbai.