Daler Mehndi was sentenced to a two-year jail term on a human trafficking case dating back to 2003 earlier today. The singer, known for chartbusters such as ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ and ‘Bolo Ta Ra Ra’ and his eccentric attire, allegedly smuggled at least ten people in 1998 and 1999, disguised as members of his entourage, for a hefty fee. The wildly popular singer-accused alongside his now deceased brother Shamsher Singh and two others- was taken to a local jail after a Patiala Court dismissed his plea. We outline a brief timeline of events.

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1998-1999

The singer assisted at least ten people in illegally migrating to the United States. Accepting a hefty sum as ‘passage money’, close to 1 crore, the singer would disguise them as dancers in his troupe. 

2003

Patiala Police registered a case against the singer and his cohorts-including his brother- based on a complaint filed by Bakhshish Singh. Accused of fraud- allegedly accepting a significant sum to ensure the complainant’s passage abroad but failing to hold up his end of the bargain- the bhangra-pop singer was taken into custody but released on bail two days later. A further 35 people also came forward to accuse him of fraud. 

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Based on the First Information Report (FIR) registered with the Sadar Patiala police station, Mehndi was charged under Sections 406, 420, 120B, 465, 468, 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Indian Passport Act. The police had previously moved two petitions in court, effectively absolving the singer of immigration fraud, or ‘kabootarbaazi’. But Bakshish Singh moved court, alleging the brothers of duping him. 

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His brief stay in prison was quite controversial. Mehndi was forced to strip by a few junior police officers during questioning. There was great commotion even on the day of his surrender. Accompanied by his younger brother, Mika, they were met by an angry mob, forcing Mika to flee the scene. 

2018 

The Judicial Magistrate First Class finds Mehndi guilty of the charge, slapping a two-year sentence. Released on bail soon after, he filed an appeal with the Sessions Court. 

Also Read: Human trafficking laws in India: Explained

2022

His appeal is shot down by Additional Sessions Judge H.S. Grewal. His two-year sentence was upheld, following which Patiala police take him into custody. The court also dismisses his application for release on probation.