MUMBAI: Pearl V Puri was arrested by the Waliv police on June 4, and will be in judicial custody till June 18.

The Naagin actor was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly raping a minor girl.

The police said that the victim identified the actor through his character name in the TV show. The police officials said that the statement of the girl was recorded under CRPC 164 in front of the magistrate. Based on the statement and medical examination of the girl, Pearl was arrested by the Waliv police officials. The accused actor was sent to judicial custody and his bail hearing is on June 7.

According to Sanjay Patil, DCP Zone 2, the victim's age is below 12 years. The girl's father had approached Mumbai Police initially. Sources also said that the father had recorded the girl's statement and made a video of it. It was submitted to the Mumbai police. He had approached Versova Police Station where they filed Zero FIR in the matter.

Speaking about the case, Sanjay Patil said, "The incident happened in Naigaon during serial shooting. The set falls under the jurisdiction of Waliv Police Station. Versova police filed zero FIR in the matter and the case was transferred to us. The case is registered under section 375 A and B and sections of the POCSO Act. Medical examination of the girl was done and her statement was recovered under CRPC 164. The accused's role was found, and therefore we have arrested him. The victim identified the accused as a character name in the serial."

Pearl made his acting debut in 2013 with Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat and rose to fame with Phir Bhi Na Maane...Badtameez Dil.

Credits: India Today