In a dramatic turn of events, current members of the acclaimed Indian Ocean band, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam, have issued a robust official statement addressing the recent police complaints filed against them. These complaints, lodged by Susmit Sen, a former band member, and Sunita Chakravorty, the widow of co-founder Asheem Chakravorty, center around disputed royalties and alleged financial misconduct.
The iconic indie rock fusion band Indian Ocean, known for blending traditional Indian music with rock and fusion elements, is now at the epicenter of a controversy that threatens its legacy. The accusations against Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam include serious charges such as criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, misappropriation, falsification of accounts, money laundering, and embezzlement under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
**The Official Statement**
In their official communique, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam expressed their dismay and disappointment upon hearing the news through media reports. “We are saddened to learn from the media that a police complaint has been filed against us by Mr. Susmit Sen (former member of Indian Ocean) and Ms. Sunita Chakravorty (spouse of former Indian Ocean member Asheem Chakravorty). We have not seen a copy of the complaint as yet and thus cannot address it on its merits,” they stated.
Highlighting the ongoing legal processes, they added, “There is a pending matter in the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) between the shareholders for more than a year. That case is still in process, and thus everything therein is sub-judice. It is quite a surprise to us that a police complaint has been filed with what appears to be the same issue considered by the NCLT. Filing a criminal complaint on what is evidently a civil law issue seems to be an afterthought and an attempt to arm-twist us to agree to their illegal and unwarranted demands.”
**Echoes of Allegations and Defence**
The police complaint touches upon a multitude of serious allegations. Susmit Sen and Sunita Chakravorty claim that they have not received any royalties or dues from the band since 2020 and 2021, respectively. The amounts in question reportedly total over half a crore rupees per person.
The gravity of these accusations cannot be underscored enough.
. The charges like criminal conspiracy and breach of trust, if proven, could result in significant legal repercussions for the current members of Indian Ocean. Furthermore, accusations of misappropriation and money laundering can severely tarnish the reputation that has taken decades for the band to build.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam remain steadfast in their stance. They vocally discredit the complaints as frivolous and mala fide, labeling them as strategic moves intended to pressurize them into conceding to illegitimate demands. “Nevertheless, we shall cooperate fully with the police in any enquiry they choose to carry out. We are quite aware that the complaints are essentially frivolous and mala fide, and completely confident about the legality of all procedures carried out by us,” the duo assured in their statement.
**Legal Landscape & Company’s Standing**
Pending in the NCLT for more than a year, the case involves issues related to the band’s shareholding structure and financial dealings. Legal experts point out that invoking a criminal complaint amid an ongoing civil dispute could indeed be seen as an attempt to bypass judicial norms and force a settlement.
Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam’s determination to face the enquiry head-on suggests a belief in transparent legal procedures and a conviction in their own innocence. The statement underscores their readiness to collaborate with investigative authorities, reinforcing trust in India’s judiciary system.
**Public Interest and Band’s Legacy**
Indian Ocean, over the years, has not just contributed to music but also to the nation’s cultural fabric. From their iconic debut in the early 90s to their socially and politically charged tracks, the band has often been a voice of the people. The ongoing controversy, therefore, has sparked considerable interest and concern among fans and followers of the band.
The allegations also reflect a broader conversation about intellectual property rights and the allocation of royalties within India’s music industry. For a band whose music has often been a medium of expression for fairness and justice, this legal battle takes on an ironic and symbolic resonance.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the judicial system will address these complex financial disputes. For now, Indian Ocean’s music finds itself being played out in the courtroom, setting a stage where harmony seems distant and dissonance prevails.
