The Bombay High Court acquitted Rahul Raj Singh in the death case of actress Pratyusha Banerjee. Rahul said, "It took 10 years for the truth to come out, but at least I got justice." He recalled the dark decade he faced after his reputation took a hit following the 2016 incident.
Rahul Raj Singh on his legal victory in Pratyusha Banerjee's death case (Images credit: Instagram)
A day after the Bombay High Court announced he was acquitted in the death by suicide case of TV actress and Balika Vadhu star Pratyusha Banerjee, her then boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh spoke to us about what went on in court and how the past decade has been like for him. The actor-producer also became emotional as he recalled Pratyusha's final day and how he tried to help her. Rahul also said the time before the verdict was finally announced was "the darkest phase" of his life after his career and reputation took a hit overnight.
Rahul Raj Singh on his legal victory in Pratyusha Banerjee's death case
In an interview with Telly Talk India, Rahul said that the Bombay High Court's ruling was not just a legal win for him and his family; it also felt like removing a heavy stone from across his chest. The actor-producer recalled, "When the decision was being announced, I was present in the court. My heart was beating so loudly that someone next to me could also make out. At that time, I had closed my eyes and was remembering God. For a few moments, I was silent, and I had tears in my eyes. My first thought was that I wish Pratyusha was here to hear this. My second thought was for my parents, for the stain on me and my family for the past 10 years, and for the media trial we endured. At least the court proved that I was innocent. It took 10 years for the truth to come out, but at least I got justice."
Rahul spoke about the last phone call on April 1, 2016, that was presented in the courtroom, calling it his biggest piece of evidence. "In that last conversation, Pratyusha was troubled. I kept trying to make her understand that I'm reaching in 10-15 minutes. Don't take any wrong steps. My voice had only fear and love for her," he revealed.
The actor shared that their conversations were always about their careers and the future. There was no tension between them. When Rahul reached the flat, he had to call the locksmith, as the door was closed from the inside. They also tried to break down the door. When he saw the scene inside, he rushed Pratyusha to the hospital. People had accused Rahul of harming Pratyusha, but he tried his best to save her that night.
Rahul Raj Singh on the darkest phase of his life
Calling the past decade "the darkest phase of my life", Rahul saw his career end with one fell swoop. Overnight, the industry shunned him. Everywhere that he went, people saw him as an accused. The media trial had assumed he was guilty before the court trial. He and his family have endured everything quietly. "I'm alive today only because of the support of my family. Pratyusha's family's accusations were wrong from the very beginning," he added.
"Pratyusha was not just a great actress, but she was an innocent and good person. The pain of losing her is the same today as it was then. I hope her soul is at peace with the truth that I was not at fault," he concluded while stating the love between them was real. Rahul hoped after this verdict, the public would understand what the truth actually is.