Popular television actor Pearl V Puri was arrested on Friday in Mumbai over an alleged sexual assault of a five-year-old girl two years ago. A complaint was already lodged against Puri by the victim's father in 2019. The Valiv police stated that the minor child's father had sought the intervention of the law authorities in 2019 after he alleged that his daughter was sexually assaulted. "The victim identified the accused recently, and after recording her statement, the accused has been arrested. After the identification of the accused, we have taken him into custody for further investigation," said Sanjay Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone of Mira Bhayandar, Vasai. 

DCP Patil further went on to state that Pearl V Puri was booked under Sections 376 AB (Punishment for rape on woman under 12 years of age) of the Indian Penal Code, and Sections 4, 8, 12, 19 and 21 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. He was arrested by Waliv Police Station (MBVV Commissionerate), with Amboli Police Station as well assisting and will be produced in court later today. The police further stated that the minor girl alleged that Puri had befriended her and taken sexual favours after promising to create a career for her in the television industry. 

Pearl V Puri is a popular name in the television industry as he has starred in a number of notable TV serials such as Naagarjuna – Ek Yoddha, Naagin 3, Bepanah Pyaar and the recently-concluded supernatural thriller show, Brahmarakshas 2: Phir Jaag Utha Shaitan. He has also made appearances as a guest on Bigg Boss, including participating as a contestant on reality shows such as Khatra Khatra Khatra and Box Cricket League 4