Model, singer and TV actor Karan Oberoi has been sent to police custody by a Mumbai court till 9 May for allegedly raping and blackmailing a woman, reported news agency ANI. An FIR had been registered at Oshiwara Police Station under sections 376 (rape) and 384 (extortion). The actor reportedly duped the woman under the pretext of marrying her. The FIR alleges that he not only raped her and filmed the act but also threatened to release the video unless she paid him the money he demanded.
Now, his close friend and actor Pooja Bedi has come out in support of Karan, urging that the laws that exist to protect women should be used responsibly by them.
Listen to her version:
Speaking about the inequal laws that exist in our country, Pooja Bedi told IANS at a press conference, “ Taking into consideration the history of our country and the patriarchal society that we live in, there are times when a rape victim goes to the police station and her complaint does not even get registered. That is wrong. So, we need laws against rape and such violence; but at the same time, if women are misusing the law that is meant to protect them, we need to think about how to protect the rights of the man as well!”
“It is unfortunate to see such a kind man being subjected to something like this.”Pooja Bedi
She added: “The reputation damage, the family trauma is unacceptable to me. There are a number of cases where women are not using the law, they are misusing the law.”
The members of Karan Oberoi’s music band Band of Boys also claimed that the allegation is false. Even Karan’s lawyer, advocate Dinesh Tiwari, said,
“Though it will be little tough for the first few days, but considering the fact that we have all the evidence to prove that my client is innocent, we should get him bailed".
According to the lawyer, they have submitted a series of texts that were sent to Karan by the woman as evidence to prove his innocence.
Pooja Bedi read out one of the messages, “Karan, I am being open and upfront. Can we have sex, without thinking about the future, emotions and anything else just for now, as my body needs it? And I do not feel comfortable to indulge with anyone else, so let me know what you think about it.”
“Isn't it clear that the relationship was one-sided and Karan was approached many times with such messages?”, questioned Pooja.
(With inputs from IANS)
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