Sejal Chaturvedi –
Pearl V Puri, a television star, was granted bail by the Vasai Sessions Court after being charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Pearl was charged for raping the minor child co-star on sets of the TV Serial Bepanah Pyaar, in September 2019
Pearl who is known for his performances in Badatameez Dil, Nagarjuna, Bepanah Pyaar, Naagin 3 and Meri Sasu Maa had been arrested on June 4th and was kept on judicial remand.
Pearl was arrested under Sections 376 AB (punishment for rape of woman under 12 years of age) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 4 (punishment for penetrative sexual assault), 8 (punishment for sexual assault), 12 (punishment for sexual harassment), 19 (reporting of offences) and 21 (punishment for failure to report or record a case) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The complaint was filed by the alleged victim’s father who has also divorced the mother.
Pearl was represented by advocate Rajeev Sawant, who said that initially the complaint was filed against unknown people, but eight days later the father claimed that the child took Pearl’s character name Raghubir bhaiya.
Mr Sawant mentioned that, “It was their case that the girl said Raghubir bhaiyya touched her inappropriately.”
However, the extended family of the estranged mother said that it was the father’s way to gain custody of the child.
The mother had taken the child for a medical test only a few days back when the minor complained of abdominal pain.
However, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda for the father, mentioned that the reports from Nair Hospital showed a hymen tear and old healed wounds.
They further argued that Puri is an influential person.
In the bail application, Pearl had said that the medical examination was delayed and the whole attempt was to defame the actor.
Mr Sawant stated that, “His Bail application was filed and heard on Monday 07.06.2021. The prosecution sought time to counter the points raised by us. After that, the court reserved the plea for orders, and Sessions judge Aditi Kadam granted him bail today,”