Bollywood singer Ankit Tiwari arrested for raping girlfriend

Mumbai: Bollywood playback singer Ankit Tiwari was on Thursday arrested here for allegedly raping his girlfriend on several occasions, after falsely promising her marriage, the police said.

Best known for his popular song 'Sun Raha Hai Na' from the movie 'Aashiqui 2', Tiwari (24) was arrested by Mumbai police today morning after the woman, who is said to be his girlfriend, complained that he had sexually assaulted her since July 2013, after assuring her marriage, but failed to keep his promise, said Macchindra Bodkhe, police inspector at Versova police station.

Ankit's brother Ankur has also been arrested for allegedly threatening the woman with dire consequences if she made the sexual assault public, the police said.

The two were produced before a court in suburban Andheri after which Ankit was remanded to police custody until May 12, while his brother was granted bail.

Ankit is the second Bollywood celebrity held for rape charges in the recent past, after actor Inder Kumar was arrested on April 25 for allegedly raping and abusing a 22-year-old aspiring actress. Actor Shiney Ahuja was also arrested on June 14, 2009, after his maid accused him of rape.

According to the police, the survivor had invited her boyfriend Ankit to her sister's birthday party on July 21 last year.

"During the party, Ankit coerced the survivor into consuming liquor, and thereafter called her to the bedroom under the pretext of having a talk with her. Later, he sexually assaulted her, promising marriage," the officer said.

In August last year, Ankit allegedly applied 'sindoor' (vermillion) on the survivor's forehead in a temple at her residence, after which he continued to demand sexual favours, the police said.