Television
actor Pearl V Puri, who was arrested over rape charges earlier this month, has
finally broken his silence on those allegations. In a statement released on Instagram on Monday,
the ‘Naagin 3’ actor opened up about the series of tragedies that happened in
recent months and expressed gratitude for those who supported him throughout.

“Life has
its own of testing people! I lost my nani ma few months back, then on her 17th
day I lost my dad post that my mother got diagnosed with cancer and then this
ghastly accusation. Last couple of weeks were gruelling for me like a
nightmare. I was, overnight, made to feel like a criminal. All of this in the
midst of my mother’s cancer treatment, it shattered my sense of security,
making me feel helpless. I am still numb,” the 31-year-old said in the statement.

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“…but I
felt it’s time to reach out to my friends, fans and well-wishers who’ve
showered me with their love, support and concern. Thank you for keeping faith
in me and I am firm believer of #SatyamevaJayate. I trust in the Law, judiciary
of my country and God up there. Please keep your duas coming.”
 

The Mumbai
Police arrested Puri on June 5 for allegedly raping a minor girl at a film set
in Vasai, where he was shooting in October 2019. The actor was booked under Section
376 (rape) of the IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act
(POSCO), Act, 2012. He is currently out on bail.

Puri was
among six people arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with the rape
allegations. A number of his colleagues from the industry, including producer
Ekta Kapoor, and actors Anita Hassanandani, Karishma Tanna and others came out to
support him
when the news of his arrest broke.