Pearl V Puri sent to 14 days judicial custody in minor's rape case

Pearl V Puri, who has starred in shows such as Naagin and Bepanah Pyaar, has been arrested by Mumbai Police on charges of rape and molestation of a minor.

Television actor Pearl Puri was arrested by the Mumbai Police on Friday for allegedly raping a 5-year-old. Aditi Kadam, sessions judge, Vasai, remanded him to a 14-day judicial custody on Saturday.

Pearl V Puri has been arrested by Mumbai Police.

The alleged incident took place on a film set in Vasai, where Pearl was shooting in October 2019. The victim and her mother, who is also a television actor, were on the set. The minor's mother learned about the incident after the child complained of abdomen pain. Her father, who had worked with Puri, filed a complaint at the Versova police station. The case was transferred to Waliv police and after the probe, it was found that Puri had a role in the incident. He was called to Waliv police station on Friday and was arrested, Sanjaykumar Patil, DCP, Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) Commmissionerate said.

Puri has been arrested under Section 376 AB (rape of woman under 12 years of age) of IPC and sections 4,8,12,19 and 21 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act,2012.

Pearl's Naagin 3 co-star Anita Hassanandani spoke in his support. Sharing a photo with him on Instagram, she wrote, "Woke up to some nonsensical news bout @pearlvpuri I know him! It is NOT true ... canNOT be true.... all lies. I’m sure there is more to it. And the truth will be out soon. Love you @pearlvpuri #ISTANDWITHPEARL."

Pearl is known for starring on popular supernatural show Naagin 3, Naagarjuna Ek Yoddha and Bepanah Pyaar. He was last seen on Brahmarakshas 2, in which he played Angad Mehra.

He made his television debut Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat in 2013and was later seen in Phir Bhi Na Maane...Badtameez Dil.