In a shocking turn of events, Darshan, a well-known comedian from Haryana, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a minor girl. According to media reports, the verdict was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Sunil Jindal in Hisar on Monday, March 17. Darshan, who gained popularity through his YouTube videos, has been behind bars since he was found guilty on March 11. The court has not only handed him a hefty prison sentence but also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh under the POCSO Act.
The case dates back to September 2020, when the mother of a minor girl from a village in the Agroha area filed a complaint with the police. She alleged that Darshan had deceived her daughter by promising her a role in one of his productions. What unfolded next is a chilling tale of exploitation and abuse of power. Darshan had apparently contacted the minor on September 21, 2020, and asked her to come for a video shoot. After the shoot, he allegedly pressured her to accompany him to Chandigarh, and when she refused, he threatened her, leaving her terrified. The comedian then forcefully took her to Chandigarh on his bike, where he allegedly raped her in a hotel room.
A Case of Deception and Exploitation
As per the victim’s lawyer, Rekha Mittal, Darshan had tampered with documents to make the minor appear older and even forced her into marriage with the help of an organization. The girl eventually managed to escape and return home, where she shared her traumatic experience with her mother, leading to Darshan’s arrest. Although he was initially granted bail, he was taken into custody again after being found guilty.
A Harsh Verdict
The court’s decision is a significant victory for the victim and her family, who have been fighting for justice for over two years. Apart from the prison sentence and fine, the court has also ordered Darshan to pay a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the victim. The verdict serves as a stern warning to those who exploit and abuse their power to harm innocent individuals, especially minors. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with cases of abuse and misconduct, this judgment is a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for a safer and more supportive environment for all.