Karan Oberoi Reveals His Ordeal After MeToo Allegations

Karan Oberoi, known for his roles in TV shows like Swabhimaan and Aahat, and his fame with A Band Of Boys in 2001, recently opened up about his harrowing experience following MeToo allegations in 2019. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Oberoi described the traumatic period he spent in jail after being accused of rape and extortion.

Dark Phase in Jail

Oberoi described his time in jail as a dark phase in his life, comparing it to “paatal lok” (hell). He was surrounded by hardened criminals, some of whom protected him. “It was like visiting paatal lok for me. Like how did I land here? There were people around me who had murdered so many people,” Oberoi said, highlighting the fear and uncertainty he faced daily. He recalled not eating for the first seven days and not sleeping for nine days, leading to a state of delirium where he doubted his survival.

Near-Death Experience

During his incarceration, Oberoi experienced a near-death episode due to asphyxiation. He chose not to delve into details but mentioned seeing his life flash before his eyes. “I have claustrophobia and they put me in a place… kaal kothri mein daal dia tha and I thought this is the end of my life,” he recounted, emphasizing the severe mental and physical toll of his imprisonment.

Allegations and Legal Battle

A woman accused Oberoi of raping her between January 2017 and February 2018 and promising marriage. Following his arrest, he was granted bail by the Bombay High Court the next month. The accuser later filed a second FIR for assault, claiming she was threatened to withdraw her charges. However, the Mumbai Police arrested her for criminal conspiracy and filing false information. In 2023, the Bombay High Court fined her ₹20,000 when her lawyer failed to meet required legal formalities.

Career and Future

Karan Oberoi’s career spans various popular TV shows, including Swabhimaan, Aahat, Saaya, Milan, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, and The Great Indian Comedy Show. He also appeared in the second and third seasons of Inside Edge. Despite his ordeal, Oberoi continues to be a recognized figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.