Singer Papon, who has been accused of inappropriately kissing a minor girl - a contestant on the reality show Voice of India Kids 2018, has decided step down as a judge of the reality show. Papon maintains that he has been “falsely implicated” in the matter and that “eventually the truth will prevail”.
The singer posted a Facebook message announcing his decision to step down as a judge on the show:
Since I am in no mental state to fulfill most of my professional obligations, I have decided to step down as a judge on the show till the matter in which I have been falsely implicated is fully resolved and the investigations are over. I have full faith in the judicial system and eventually the truth will prevail. In the interim I would appreciate that my privacy is respected.Papon, Musician
Meanwhile, the channel ‘&TV’ on which the reality talent show - Voice of India Kids is telecast, has also issued a statement on Papon stepping back as a judge on the show.
The channel’s statement reads:
“As a responsible channel committed to the well-being of our participants, we would like to restate that a safe and secure environment is of utmost priority to us. We follow all mandatory guidelines and our teams ensure that they are stringently adhered to in all our shows. We have constantly worked towards maintaining a healthy and happy atmosphere for the participants in all our shows, and will continue to do so under all circumstances. In light of the ongoing enquiry, and in the best interest of the participants' well-being, Mr. Angarag Mahanta (Papon) will be stepping back as the coach on the show The Voice India Kids on &TV. He will not be shooting any further episodes till the issue is resolved. As broadcasters, it is our responsibility to act in an unbiased and just manner and we are committed to doing so. In the interim, we would humbly request everyone to please show understanding and concern towards all the parties involved and allow for the due process to be completed.”
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