Mali said that the remarks made by Dhas have impacted her personal and social life. She also alleged that defamatory content was circulated on social media following these remarks.
Maharashtra actor Prjakta Mali has demanded apology from Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas and also lodged a complaint with the Maharashtra State Commission for Women over alleged inappropriate and defamatory remarks the latter made against her over the murder of a village sarpanch.
MSCW has directed Mumbai Police on Monday to take immediate action and submit a factual report on the matter.
Mali said that the remarks made by Dhas have impacted her personal and social life. She also alleged that defamatory content was circulated on social media following these remarks.
The whole incident is based upon the death of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted, tortured and murdered in Beed on December 9 allegedly for attempting to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm.
While four persons have been arrested so far, a political tussle is underway over Walmik Karad, an accused in the extortion case linked to the murder who is reportedly a close aide of Parli MLA Dhananjay Munde.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas while delivering a speech recently condemned the killing of Deshmukh and then referring to Munde's alleged involvement in the crime he said, that Munde and his aides have created a 'Parli pattern' where they invite several actors and said that actors like Prajakta Mali are familiar with Parli.
Following this, Mali demanded an apology from Dhas on Saturday as she condemned him for dragging her name in his attempt to target NCP minister Dhananjay Munde in the Beed sarpanch murder case.
The actor had said Dhas' comments were in bad taste and baseless, asserting that women, especially actors, should not be made soft targets.
"Dhas' remarks linking me to Dhananjay Munde are derogatory. I had been to Parli for a cultural event, an award function. Artists like me travel to several cities to entertain audiences. Why name just women? Haven't male actors attended such programmes organised by politicians? Dhas has used my name for his selfish interests," she said.
The actor had also demanded action against those making fake video clips about her.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women informed through its X handle that it had received Mali's complaint and initiated action.
The commission stated that the issue was serious and directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to act immediately and submit a factual report.
When Dhas was asked about the controversy caused by his remarks on Mali and a complaint lodged by her with MSCW, he said, "This issue is now over. I am ready to face consequences."
He said the focus should be on the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and the instances of bullying in Beed district.
"I am ready to answer anything about these issues," he added.
Actor Prajakta Mali on Sunday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as she called on him at his official bungalow in Mumbai.
Fadnavis assured Mali and her family that any act of disrespecting women would not be tolerated and appropriate action would be taken.