Voice of India Kids, Parents Release Video On Papon’s “Innocence”

There was no molestation, they say.

Voice of India Kids 2018 contestants and their parents are asserting Papon’s innocence. 

(Photo courtesy: Facebook)

Parents and minor participants of reality TV show Voice of India Kids 2018 took to social media to share a video to voice their protest against the controversy around Papon’s allegedly kissing a minor mentee. Six contestants - including the girl in question - and their parents shared a video on Facebook asserting that there was no molestation and that Papon is being accused for something he has not done.

They took turns to emphasise the fact that parents were present during the shoot when the incident happened and the kiss was nothing beyond a fatherly peck.

Here’s what some of them have to say:

Everyone was there that day. Papon Sir loves all of us. He loves me like a father. We are from the same state - Assam. You are misunderstanding the whole incident... we were shooting the Holi episode and doing masti on the sets. Papon sir gave me a kiss like a father. My father and mother also show me their love by kissing me. Don’t misunderstand him.

The girl in question 

“We know what Papon Sir is like. He is a great person, he loves our kids. Our kids play with him. We are parents... we know what people can be like. Our kids like him. We request you not to fuel this... it is wrong.”

A parent

“We were all there on the spot during the incident and nothing bad happened. Please don’t spoil the <i>guru-shishya</i> relationship. Did you ask the girl or her parents if something like this actually happened before filing a case?”

A parent

“We were having fun on the live. Nothing like that happened. Then she or her parents would have told us.”

A student

“We are telling the truth. No one is forcing us to do this. Papon Sir is innocent.”

A parent

“He is like a brother, father... he has guided and loved us. You didn’t ask us before blaming him.”

A student

“When we are feeling like this, how is his family feeling?”

A parent

“We all live together. Please don’t spoil the atmosphere here.”

A parent

(The Quint, in association with BitGiving, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an 8-month-old who was raped in Delhi on 28 January 2018. The baby girl, who we will refer to as 'Chhutki', was allegedly raped by her 28-year-old cousin when her parents were away. She has been discharged from AIIMS hospital after undergoing three surgeries, but needs more medical treatment in order to heal completely. Her parents hail from a low-income group and have stopped going to work so that they can take care of the baby. You can help cover Chhutki's medical expenses and secure her future. Every little bit counts. Click here to donate.)