In an unfolding drama that has captured the attention of the music world, current members of the famed indie rock fusion band Indian Ocean, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam, have issued a statement regarding recent police complaints lodged against them. These complaints, filed by former band member and co-founder Susmit Sen, along with the widow of another co-founder, Asheem Chakravorty, allege serious financial misconduct centered around royalty disputes.
The complaints by Sen and Sunita Chakravorty accuse N Ram and Kilam of several crimes, including criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, misappropriation, falsification of accounts, money laundering, and embezzlement. The plaintiffs assert that they have been deprived of royalties and dues since 2020 and 2021, respectively, amounting to over half a crore rupees per person.
In a carefully worded official statement, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam expressed their disappointment, while revealing that they learned about the police complaint through the media. The statement read, “We are saddened to learn from the media that a police complaint has been filed against us by Mr. Susmit Sen and Ms. Sunita Chakravorty. We have not seen a copy of the complaint as yet and thus cannot address it on its merits.”
N Ram and Kilam provided further context to the situation by highlighting the ongoing legal battles within the band’s ownership structure. They stated, “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.”
The band members expressed surprise that a criminal complaint had been filed related to issues already under examination by the NCLT. In their statement, they noted, “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.”
Despite their disappointment, N Ram and Kilam conveyed their willingness to cooperate fully with the police investigation. Their statement read, “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 we are completely confident about the legality of all procedures carried out by us.
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As the legal drama intensifies, both parties are evidently preparing for a protracted battle. The basis of the police complaint involves accusations under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which underscores the seriousness of the allegations. Yet, N Ram and Kilam’s firm stance indicates that they believe their actions will withstand judicial scrutiny.
The story doesn’t end there. Several fans and followers of Indian Ocean are closely watching the developments, many expressing mixed emotions over social media. Some are standing in solidarity with N Ram and Kilam, while others are voicing support for Susmit Sen and Sunita Chakravorty, emphasizing the importance of fair financial practices and accountability within creative collaborations.
Industry experts have also weighed in on the issue, pointing out that disputes over royalties are not uncommon in the music industry. They stress, however, that such disputes usually find resolution through civil courts rather than criminal proceedings. The filing of a criminal complaint in this scenario has thus taken many by surprise and led to speculations about underlying motivations.
In their social media posts, Rahul N Ram and Amit Kilam have continued to maintain a professional tone, refraining from any incendiary remarks. They have also expressed their intention to focus on their music despite the ongoing legal troubles. Their statement emphasizes, “Our primary focus remains our art and connecting with our audience. We trust that the truth will prevail, and we remain committed to our musical journey.”
Meanwhile, the band has a series of performances lined up, and it remains to be seen how these legal issues might impact their schedule. Given the gravity and public nature of the allegations, there is also keen media interest in how this dispute will affect the band’s reputation and future.
With the National Company Law Tribunal already engaged in the matter, and now the police complaint adding an extra layer of complexity, one thing is clear: the road ahead is lined with legal challenges that will need careful navigation. Both parties appear resolute in their stances, and as developments unfold, the spotlight on Indian Ocean will only intensify, impacting not only the band members involved but also their extensive fanbase and the broader music community.
