A number of television celebrities have come
out in support of actor Pearl V Puri, who was arrested by Mumbai Police on
Saturday for allegedly raping a minor girl. The ‘Naagin’ actor was booked under
Section 376 (rape) of IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO)
Act, 2012, and has been remanded in police custody by Vasai court, ANI
reported.
Since the arrest, a torrent of support for
Pearl from his colleagues has flooded social media, with many claiming him to
be the “nicest” and “kindest” guy in the industry.
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In an Instagram post, producer and director
Ekta Kapoor said that the accusations were
false. She said that the minor girl’s mother has “openly said” that Pearl was not
involved and that her husband was “trying to create stories to keep her child
and prove that a working mother on a set cannot take care of her kid.”
“If this is true then it is wrong on so
many levels!” she said.
Actor Krystle D’Souza took to Instagram to
extend her support, saying, “I know @pearlvpuri and he is one of the nicest
boys I’ve met in our tv industry. A thorough gentleman. Please don’t jump to
conclusions on baseless allegations. Let’s wait for the truth to come out,” adding
the hashtag #istandwithpearl at the end of her caption.
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Here are a few more reactions:
Meanwhile, actor Anita Hassanandani said “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.”
Pearl, 31, was among six people arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with the rape allegations. He made his television debut in 2013 with Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat and has also starred in shows like Phir Bhi Na Maane…Badtameez Dil, Naagarjuna Ek Yoddha and Bepanah Pyaar.
