Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao surrenders in Jalandhar court in an eight-year-old case related to hurting religious sentiments over a 2017 film poster. Read the full story.
Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao on Monday surrendered before a Jalandhar court in connection with a long-pending case registered against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The case, which dates back to 2017, stemmed from a controversial poster of the film Behen Hogi Teri, in which Rao appeared dressed as Lord Shiva, seated on a motorcycle. His surrender marks a significant development in the eight-year-old legal matter.
Arrest Warrant Issued Earlier
The court had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Rajkummar Rao after he reportedly failed to respond to summons and did not appear for hearings. On Monday, the actor arrived quietly, wearing a mask, and submitted his response to the court in person—managing to keep his presence largely unnoticed by others in the courtroom.
Rajkummar Rao Granted Bail After Surrender
Following his voluntary appearance, the court granted Rajkummar Rao bail. His legal team submitted all required documentation, and the court accepted his reply on record. This surrender was seen as a proactive move by the actor to clear his name and comply with judicial proceedings.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy dates back to 2017, when the promotional posters of Behen Hogi Teri showed Rajkummar Rao dressed as Lord Shiva. In one of the visuals, the actor is seen sitting on a motorbike, giving a modern twist to the traditional avatar of the Hindu deity. This sparked public outrage among certain religious groups and led a Jalandhar-based resident to file a complaint at Division No. 5 police station.
As a result, not only Rao but also the film’s director Ajay K Pannalal and producer Tony D’Souza were booked under charges of hurting religious sentiments. They were reportedly arrested earlier by the Jalandhar police, though later released on bail.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The film industry and public at large remain divided over the matter. While some argue that artistic freedom should be protected, others believe religious imagery should be used with greater sensitivity. The case has now entered a crucial phase with Rao’s court appearance, and further legal proceedings are likely in the coming weeks.
Human Rights Commission Involvement in Jalandhar
In a separate development, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of deaths linked to a reported oxygen supply fault in Jalandhar. Though unrelated to Rao’s case, the city remains in the spotlight due to multiple ongoing legal matters.
Rajkummar Rao’s surrender shows a clear intent to cooperate with the legal system and address the allegations respectfully. As the court continues to hear the case, the Bollywood actor’s legal journey is being closely followed by fans and legal experts alike.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.