Chandigarh: Comedian Darshan, a social media sensation despite suffering from Dwarfism, has been sentenced to jail for 20 years, on charges of raping a minor after offering her a role in one of his shows. The sentence was passed on Monday by Judge Sunil Jindal, additional district and sessions judge, Hisar, Haryana.
Darshan, who was out on bail, was taken into custody by the police on March 11, after being pronounced guilty by the court. Charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been brought against the actor.
The case dates back to September 2020, when a woman from a village in Agroha lodged a police complaint, alleging that Darshan had deceived her minor daughter and raped her after promising her a role in one of his episodes. Darshan apparently contacted the minor on September 21, 2020, and asked her to come for a video shoot.
Following the video shoot, Darshan reportedly insisted that the minor accompany him to Chandigarh. When she refused, he allegedly threatened. He then took her to Chandigarh on a motorcycle, accompanied by his brother. In Chandigarh, he allegedly raped her in a hotel room.
The prosecution also told the court that Darshan prepared false documents to establish that the girl was an adult and with the help of an organisation, forced her into marriage. The girl returned home and narrated her ordeal, following which Darshan was arrested.
The court has also ordered Darshan to pay Rs 2 lakh to the rape survivor as compensation. He will also pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
