Television actor Piyush Sahdev, brother of Secret Superstar actress Meher Vij, has been arrested on rape charges, in Mumbai. The actor was arrested on 22 November and produced before the Andheri Metropolitan Magistrate court on the same day. He will remain in remand until 27 November, according to investigation officer Kiran Kamble.
Sahdev, popular known for essaying the role of Ram in television serial Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, has been accused of rape by a 23-year old fashion designer with whom Sahdev was in a live-in relationship. He allegedly had promised to advance her career.
While Sahdev's estranged wife and father were unaware of the news, Vij spoke to the daily Times of India and expressed shock on hearing the news. The actress told the newspaper, "I got to know this from you. When did this happen? I don't know anything at all."
Vij, who was recently seen in Advait Chandan's Secret Superstar, added, "You know I haven't been able to get in touch with my father so, I too do not know anything about this news. Actually, Piyush and I haven't been in touch at all ever since he got married. His wife had some issues so I chose to back off. Whatever contact we have had, has been only through our father."
Sahdev's ex-wife, Akangsha Rawat also spoke to newspaper Hindustan Times, and said, "I am not in touch with Piyush for almost 4 months, we separated six months ago, so I have no idea if this news is true."
Another daily, Indian Express, has quoted investigation officer Kiran Kamle as saying, "Yes, he is in custody and only after 27 November, we will be able to give the next verdict. An FIR was filed on 20 November, and we arrested him on 22 November."