A renowned Punjabi singer has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a rape case filed against him. The case, which includes allegations under Sections 376, 406, and 420 of the IPC, was registered in November 2024 at the NRI police station under the Jalandhar Commissionerate. Justice Namit Kumar, presiding over the matter, scheduled the next hearing for January 23, 2025, directing the Punjab state to submit a status report. A notice of motion was issued to the state and other involved parties.
In his petition, the singer argued that the FIR was filed after a delay of 18 years from the first alleged incident in 2006 and six years from the last alleged occurrence in 2018. The singer emphasized that the complainant, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen, was a mature and educated individual, which made her claims of being exploited under the pretext of marriage implausible. He further stated that the complainant had never reported the incidents to authorities until recently, which, he claimed, made her account highly questionable.
The petitioner also claimed that the allegations were fabricated and part of an attempt to harm his reputation. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and comply with any conditions set by the court. With no prior criminal record, the singer is seeking interim anticipatory bail while the case progresses. Justice Kumar will review the status report and hear the matter again on January 23.
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