Over the years, several prominent Indian actors and celebrities have faced legal troubles, leading to arrests and court proceedings. These incidents, ranging from wildlife poaching to serious criminal allegations, have garnered significant media attention. Here’s an overview of some notable cases:
1. Salman Khan – Blackbuck Poaching Case
In 1998, during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan, Salman Khan was accused of hunting two blackbucks, an endangered species. He was arrested and in 2006, sentenced to five years in prison. After multiple appeals and legal proceedings, a Jodhpur court in 2018 upheld the five-year sentence, though Salman Khan was granted bail shortly after. The case remains one of the most high-profile wildlife poaching cases in India.
2. Sanjay Dutt – 1993 Bombay Bombings Case
Sanjay Dutt was arrested in 1993 under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act for illegal possession of firearms linked to the Bombay bombings. He spent several years in and out of jail during the trial. In 2007, he was convicted under the Arms Act and sentenced to six years in prison. The Supreme Court later reduced his sentence to five years in 2013 and he completed his term in 2016.
3. Allu Arjun – Stampede Incident
In December 2024, during the premiere of Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad, a stampede occurred following Allu Arjun’s unscheduled appearance, leading to the de*th of a woman and injuries to her son. Arjun was arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to m*rder due to alleged negligence in crowd management. He was released on bail after spending a night in jail.
4. Rhea Chakraborty – Narcotics Case
Following the de*th of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020, Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on charges related to drug procurement and consumption. She spent nearly a month in custody before being granted bail. The case attracted widespread media coverage and public scrutiny.
5. Sooraj Pancholi – Jiah Khan’s De*th
Sooraj Pancholi was arrested in 2013 in connection with the su*cide of actress Jiah Khan. He was accused of abetment to suicide and spent time in jail during the investigation. In 2023, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence, with the court noting that Jiah Khan had su*cidal tendencies.
6. Fardeen Khan – Drug Possession
In 2001, Fardeen Khan was arrested for attempting to purchase cocaine in Mumbai. He underwent a de-addiction program and the court later dropped the charges against him. The incident had a significant impact on his acting career.
7. Saif Ali Khan – Blackbuck Poaching Case
Saif Ali Khan was also accused alongside Salman Khan in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. However, in 2018, the court acquitted him due to lack of evidence. The case highlighted issues related to wildlife conservation and celebrity accountability.
8. Shiney Ahuja – Rape Conviction
In 2009, Shiney Ahuja was arrested for raping his domestic help. Despite the victim retracting her statement, the court found Shiney Ahuja guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison in 2011. The case sparked debates on the treatment of domestic workers and the legal process.
9. Raj Kundra – P*rnography Case
Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, was arrested in 2021 for allegedly producing and distributing p*rnographic content through mobile applications. He spent two months in jail before being released on bail. The case is still under investigation.
10. Darshan Thoogudeepa – M*rder Case
Kannada actor Darshan was arrested in June 2024 in connection with the m*rder of a man named Renukaswamy, who had allegedly harassed Darshan’s close associate online. Darshan was granted bail in December 2024 and the case is ongoing.
11. Aryan Khan – Cruise Ship Drug Case
Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested in October 2021 during a raid on a cruise ship for alleged drug possession. He spent 25 days in custody before being granted bail. In 2022, he was cleared of all charges and an investigation revealed that the case may have been a setup by officials seeking bribes.
These cases underscore the complex relationship between celebrity status and the legal system in India. While some individuals have been acquitted, others have faced convictions, highlighting the importance of due process and the rule of law.
