A shocking twist has emerged in the rape case against Indian film director Sanoj Mishra. His live-in partner, Pooja Sharma, has now admitted that she filed the case in anger and under influence, calling it a mistake.
Sanoj Mishra, known for films like Gandhigiri, Ram Ki Janmabhoomi, and The Diary of West Bengal, was arrested by Delhi Police on March 31, 2025, from Ghaziabad. His arrest followed a complaint by 28-year-old Pooja Sharma, who accused him of raping her over four years, falsely promising marriage, and forcing an abortion. The case gained significant media attention, as Sanoj was already in the spotlight for his controversial film The Diary of West Bengal, which addressed sensitive issues like forced religious conversions.
However, Pooja Sharma’s latest statement, admitting her mistake in filing the case, has given a new angle to the controversy. In an interview with a news channel, she said, “I was angry and got misled by some people. I had misunderstandings about Sanoj’s relationship with his friend Monalisa, which led me to take this step. I now realize my mistake.” A subtle smile on her face during the statement sparked criticism on social media.
Film Director Sanoj Mishra who was SIMPing with viral Girl Monalisa was arrested on Rape Charges by another woman. Now the woman is saying that no Rape happened and she lodged the case in anger. What kind of Joke is going on in the name of Rape Cases?
— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) April 2, 2025
Its a tight slap on the… pic.twitter.com/Z79FWI6d6K
Under Section 376 of Indian law, a rape conviction carries a minimum sentence of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment. However, recent years have seen multiple instances where this law has allegedly been misused for personal vendettas.
The case has triggered strong reactions on social media. One user wrote, “After being in a relationship for five years, can someone still file a rape charge? This is unfair.” Another commented, “Sanoj Mishra’s life and reputation are ruined, and now she calls it a mistake? He should file a defamation case.”
This case has also fueled the #MenToo movement, which highlights false sexual harassment allegations against men. The movement, launched in response to #MeToo in 2018, aims to seek justice for falsely accused men. Men’s rights activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who has been vocal about the case on social media, stated, “For years, I have been saying that rape laws have become a tool for personal revenge, but no one listens.”
