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Daler Mehndi Convicted in 2003 Human Trafficking Case, Sentenced to 2 Years in Jail, Gets Bail
Talking to reporters after the court verdict, Daler Mehndi said he will approach a higher court against his conviction.
New Delhi, March 16: Popular singer Daler Mehndi was convicted and sentenced to two-year jail term in a case of human trafficking by a Patiala Court on Friday. He was taken into custody immediately after the court’s verdict in the case which was filed in 2003. However, the famous singer was granted bail by the court later. Talking to reporters after the court verdict, Daler Mehndi said he will approach a higher court against his conviction.
The singer later posted a video message on Twitter describing the court’s verdict against him as sad. Daler Mehndi expressed the hope that he will come out clean in the case soon.
“This case has been going on since last 14 years with my brother, who unfortunately passed away last year, as the main accused. Even after court found no evidence against me, with assumption that my brother was under my umbrella, court has put out this verdict. This saddens me but I have complete faith in God that truth will come out soon. We will approach the session’s court for justice. I would like to thank all my loved ones all across the world for their support, love and good wishes,” he said.
Sat Sri Akal! This case has been going on since last 14 years with my brother, who unfortunately passed away last year, as the main accused. Even after court found no evidence against me, with assumption that my brother was under my umbrella, court has put out this verdict. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/UOJHpHqTkw
— Daler Mehndi (@dalermehndi) March 16, 2018
The Punjab Police had told a court that at least 31 complaints of illegal human trafficking were received against bhangra-pop star Daler Mehndi, who gave back-to-back hit Punjabi-pop numbers in the 90s such as Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tun Tun, Dardi Rab Rab. (Also Read: Daler Mehndi Convicted in 2003 Human Trafficking Case: All You Need to Know)
A case was registered against Daler and his brother, Shamsher Singh, at a Patiala police station. Shamsher was subsequently arrested and an arrest warrant was issued against Daler.
Police believe Daler included people desirous of migrating to US, UK, Canada and some other countries in his musical troops whenever he toured any of these countries. It had been alleged that Mehndi brothers had taken two troupes in 1998 and 1999 during which 10 persons were taken to the US as group members and were “dropped off” illegally.
Patiala Police had even raided the offices of Daler Mehndi at Connaught Place in New Delhi and seized documents, including the case file of those who had paid the alleged “passage money” to Mehndi brothers.
In 2006, Patiala Police filed two discharge petitions stating Daler Mehndi to be innocent, but the court had upheld that the singer be prosecuted as there was “sufficient evidence against him on the judicial file and scope for further investigation”.
(With inputs from agencies)
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