Punjabi Singer Nachhatar Gill along with his three accomplices were booked under charges of rape, raising threats, fraud and criminal conspiracy by Ludhiana police based on a complaint filed by an aspiring model.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the four accused under sections 376, 420, 506 of the IPC and 66 E and 67 A of Information Technology Act. Besides Gill, the three men in question were identified as Charandeep Singh Channi, a builder and his two aides - Raja and Jagdeep Sohi.
The model had registered the complaint on 21 February alleging that Gill and the three others had secretly filmed an obscene video and clicked photos after sedating her with drug-laced drinks. She claimed they used the video and pictures to black-mail her.
The girl alleged that the four men had sexually exploited her on the pretext of featuring her in a music video.
According to Hindustan Times, the victim had known Gill since 2006 when they met in a beauty pageant. She revealed that the singer had developed physical relationship with her and made false promises of launching her in a music video.
However, things took a worse turn when the girl started questioning him about the music video. She also alleged that the police had helped the singer escape in April.
Meanwhile, Inspector Sukhwinder Singh told Indian Express, "We are yet to arrest the singer but will do it soon. The role of the three is being probed."
When questioned of the charges, Gill said, "I am innocent and it will be proved very soon. This is a strategy adopted by the girl to get fame. I have submitted all documents to the police and have cooperated with the investigation at every point. Maybe some others are too taking advantage of the situation. But I will prove my innocence in a press conference very soon."
