Devoleena Bhattacharjee on Rajeshwar Udani Murder Case: Why Should I Fear if I Am Innocent?

Television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee aka Gopi Bahu of ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiyaa’ was recently in the news for being summoned in Mumbai based diamond trader Rajeshwar Udani murder case. Reportedly, the actress was called in for questioning by the Pant Nagar Police Station in relation to the murder of the diamond merchant. The actress' summon to the police station made a lot of noise and fans of the actress were worried. There were also reports doing the rounds that Devoleena is in a relationship with one of the accused, Sachin Pawar. Devoleena, who was summoned on December 9, last year and hasn't spoken much about what transpired ever since, finally spoke about the controversy around the murder of Rajeshwar Udani. Devoleena Bhattacharjee Reacts To Her Police Summon: The investigation is going on and I am cooperating with them

In a statement to Times of India, the actress said, "I was interrogated by the police and they had every right to do so, but I was never troubled by them. What is unfortunate is that it was almost like a media trial. I was unnecessarily targeted. I fully co-operated with the police and will continue to do so. Sachin Pawar is a good friend and I got to know him through my co-actor Ashish Sharma. Sachin and I worked on a music album together, too. I first met him when I was campaigning for a political rally. After that, I visited his office and we decided to do a few documentaries together on Assam, my home state."

She further added, "I got to know Sachin well and he wanted to visit Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati and he asked me if he could join me on my trip to Assam. When someone requests you, you generally don’t say ‘no’. Sachin came with me to Assam once. And thereafter, we became good friends and had plans to work together. The reason why my name cropped up in the investigation is because a few months ago, I had attended Udani’s daughter’s wedding. Thereafter, he and I met only thrice, during which I asked him for advice for my business endeavours." However, the actress outright denied being in a relationship with Sachin and said that his arrest came across as a shock for

Devoleena went on to say, "As far as my interrogation is concerned, I am surprised why it has been blown out of proportion, because a few artistes from the TV industry were also present at the police station before me." Talking about whether these controversies have affected her work, she said, “Not really, there are good offers coming in, but I am taking my time. I am still recovering from all this and trying to get things back to normal. I need to be mentally healthy and focus on my work. It might take time, but it will happen soon. Sometimes, I feel like my life has turned out exactly the way my character Gopi bahu’s life turned out on the show. Gopi used to get trapped in situations where she was never involved and then she had to work hard to come out of them."

Speaking of how her parents reacted to this whole thing, Devoleena said, "My family and friends, who know me well, have stood by me. They did not believe that I could ever be involved in something like this. They were just concerned that I should not get trapped in anything. My brother is a lawyer and when this happened, I did not even inform him. So, my point is, why should I fear anything if I am innocent? I just want to say that people should not jump to conclusions before anything is proven."

In the meanwhile, a statement issued by Devoleena’s lawyer Falguni Brahmbhatt read, "To all the respective Media Houses Print, Electronic and Social Media Platforms, I Falguni Brahmbhatt Advocate, representing Devoleena Bhattacharjee, would like you all to take a note that I have been instructed by my above-named client to release this press note on her behalf which I hereby do."

"It is pertinent to note that some media houses have been and have published an Article with respect to the untoward incident I.e. murder of a Diamond Merchant which is being investigated by Ghatkopar police and you all are aware that my above-named client was called for the purpose of investigation, and she in compliance of the same had visited the police station and recorded her statement and is co-operating with the investigation."

"That some media houses have published a false story that in the said case my client has been arrested without verifying the facts and it's authenticity which has not only tarnished her image and caused humiliation to her but it has been causing a Hindrance and Prejudice in the entire case because of the inappropriate media reports."

"You are therefore called upon to refrain yourselves from publishing such articles without verifying the facts. If you fail to do so and in case any such articles get published henceforth, my client will be compelled to take appropriate legal action against those who do so. Rest assured, the actress is home and safe. And while arrests have been made in the case, only Devoleena can clarify her involvement in the case." Watch this space for further updates.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2019 09:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).