In a significant development, the Dindoshi sessions court delivered a verdict on Monday, dismissing actor Rahul Raj Singh's discharge plea. The plea had been submitted in response to allegations of abetting the tragic suicide of fellow actor Pratyusha Banerjee. Singh, who has consistently maintained his innocence, argued that Banerjee's distress was primarily caused by her parents, not himself.
Trial Date Set
The court proceedings have taken a crucial step forward, with the announcement that the trial will commence on November 11. On this date, formal charges will be framed against Rahul Raj Singh, marking a pivotal moment in the legal battle surrounding the untimely death of Pratyusha Banerjee. The talented actor, renowned for her prominent role in the television series "Balika Vadhu," sadly took her own life on April 1, 2016, within her rented apartment in Goregaon West.
Background and Anticipatory Bail
Rahul Raj Singh, who was initially accused of playing a role in Pratyusha Banerjee's tragic demise, was granted anticipatory bail by the Bombay High Court on July 2, 2016. The decision to grant bail came amid a storm of public attention and speculation surrounding the incident. Banerjee's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and prompted a thorough investigation.
Chargesheet and Plea for Discharge
The legal proceedings took another turn in April 2018, as the Bangur Nagar police filed a comprehensive chargesheet, reigniting the spotlight on the case. Following this development, Rahul Raj Singh filed a plea for discharge, seeking to clear his name from the abetment charges. Singh's defense claimed that the couple had been planning to marry in December 2016 and highlighted Banerjee's emotional distress arising from what he asserted was excessive interference in her personal affairs by her parents.
Contrasting Arguments
During the recent court proceedings, Singh's legal representative, advocate Shreyansh Mithare, referenced a pivotal telephonic conversation between the two actors. In this conversation, Banerjee allegedly expressed frustration towards her parents, implying that her emotional turmoil was not solely linked to Singh. Additionally, Mithare referred to statements from money lenders, suggesting that Banerjee had obtained substantial loans, with her parents drafting loan agreements totaling ₹10 lakh, which Banerjee purportedly signed.
In opposition, the prosecution leaned on statements from Pratyusha Banerjee's family members. According to these statements, Banerjee had reported mistreatment by Rahul Raj Singh and exhibited physical injuries resulting from alleged assaults by him. However, Mithare countered these claims, characterizing the family's statements as hearsay. He emphasized Banerjee's education and her prior initiative in approaching the police about abuse in a previous relationship, asserting that she had the means to seek legal intervention if Singh had indeed subjected her to physical and financial abuse.
Share
Tweet
