Actor-model Poonam Pandey and her husband Sam Bombay find themselves entangled in legal turmoil following a controversial fake death stunt orchestrated by Poonam earlier this month. As reported by Times of India, the duo has been hit with a staggering defamation lawsuit amounting to ₹100 crore, stemming from the purported hoax.
According to the publication, Faizan Ansari filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Kanpur police, alleging that Poonam and Sam collaborated to fabricate Poonam’s death, thereby trivializing the severity of cancer and manipulating the sentiments of the public. Ansari urged for their arrest and appearance before a Kanpur court.
In a portion of the FIR published by TOI, it was stated, “Poonam Pandey and her husband Sameer Bombay have fabricated a false conspiracy of death. Alongside this, they have mocked serious illnesses like cancer. Poonam orchestrated the drama for publicity and toyed with the emotions of millions of Indians and the Bollywood film industry.” Faizan Ansari further asserted his intention to file a ₹100 crore lawsuit against them.
The controversy erupted on February 2 when Poonam purportedly announced her demise from cervical cancer via her official Instagram account, subsequently confirmed by her manager. However, a day later, Poonam resurfaced on Instagram, revealing that the announcement was a hoax aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer.
In an Instagram video, she clarified, “I am alive. I didn’t die of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, I can’t say that about those hundreds and thousands of women who have lost their lives because of cervical cancer.” Poonam underscored the significance of addressing the disease, acknowledging the lives lost due to a lack of awareness.
The staged event unfolded shortly after the government’s announcement to include the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 in the country’s immunization program, sparking further controversy. All India Cine Workers also lodged an FIR against Poonam for the stunt, adding to the legal complications surrounding the incident.