Hardeep Singh Kohli Faces Trial Over Rape and Sexual Offence Charges 26 June

Hardeep Singh Kohli

Hardeep Singh Kohli, born on 21 January 1969, is a British entertainer of Indian-Punjabi origin, who moved from London to Glasgow at the age of four. He has built a career as a comedian, writer, and director, featuring in a range of radio and television programs. Notable appearances include being a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef in 2006 and competing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

However, his career faced serious challenges when he was arrested on 9 August 2023, charged in relation to “non-recent” sexual offences following concerns raised during a 2020 investigation by The Times. Kohli was set to appear in court regarding these charges. Subsequently, on 9 August 2025, he faced six sex-related charges concerning three women. The legal proceedings escalated when, on 24 November 2025, he was charged with additional offences, including rape and domestic abuse.

Hardeep Singh Kohli Early life

Kohli was born in London and relocated to Glasgow, Scotland, at the age of four. His parents, both Sikh, emigrated from India to Britain in the 1960s, with family origins in Punjab. His mother worked as a social worker, while his father was a teacher who later became a successful landlord in Bishopbriggs. Kohli has a younger brother, Sanjeev Kohli, who is an actor and writer.

His early education began at Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow’s West End, after which he attended Meadowburn Primary in Bishopbriggs. At eight, he transferred to John Ogilvie Hall, a primary school affiliated with St Aloysius’ College, a private Roman Catholic institution located in central Glasgow. Hardeep Singh Kohli pursued a degree in Law at the University of Glasgow, from which he graduated in 1990. During his time at university, he held jobs at a vegetarian restaurant and served as an usher at the Citizens Theatre.

Hardeep Singh Kohli Career

Hardeep Singh Kohli, a multifaceted television presenter, director, radio host, journalist, and comedian, began his career post-university in the BBC Scotland graduate production trainee scheme, eventually working in various capacities at BBC Television Centre and in different genres such as children’s TV, directing several acclaimed shows including the BAFTA-awarded series “It’ll Never Work.” After leaving the BBC in 1996, Kohli directed commercials and developed TV content, alongside appearances on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In 2004, he wrote, directed, and starred in “Meet the Magoons” on Channel 4, which received mixed reviews but prompted critical attention. His participation in the first series of BBC One’s “Celebrity MasterChef” in 2006 marked a significant moment in his career, leading to subsequent roles in various programs including a three-part series on gambling called “£50 Says You’ll Watch This,” and appearances on political discussions such as BBC’s “Question Time” and “Newsnight Review.”

Hardeep Singh Kohli hosted the cookery show “New British Kitchen” in 2008, later producing “Chefs and the City,” and gained further recognition through various charity initiatives, including appearing on “The Apprentice” for Sport Relief. His documentary work included “In Search of the Tartan Turban,” which earned a Schools BAFTA, and a comprehensive look at Scientology titled “The Beginner’s Guide to L. Ron Hubbard.” He also volunteered for a social experiment on “Famous, Rich and Homeless,” showcasing his range beyond entertainment.

In the radio domain, Hardeep Singh Kohli presented BBC Radio 4’s documentary “Hippy Trail” and the city-based series “Great British Faith,” praised for its insights into urban spirituality. His accolades include awards for documentaries and a nomination for a New York Radio Festival Silver Award for “15 by 15,” a language-focused series. He created “Hardeep’s Sunday Lunch,” a cooking show that deepened into personal storytelling.

As a columnist, he contributed to publications like “Scotland on Sunday,” “The Guardian,” and others, showcasing his capabilities in journalism. At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Kohli debuted his comedic series “The Nearly Naked Chef,” blending cooking with humor, followed by new material in subsequent years.

Hardeep Singh Kohli literary contributions include “Indian Takeaway,” a food and travel book about India, and he served as a judge for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. He has also held significant roles such as board member of the National Theatre of Scotland, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and imagined as Creative Director at the Innovation Academy. Controversy marked his career when, in 2023, he was voted onto the executive committee of the British-American Project, highlighting both his influence and the challenges he faces in the public eye.

Hardeep Singh Kohli Faces Trial Over Rape and Sexual Offence Charges

Hardeep Singh Kohli, a 57-year-old comedian and broadcaster from Kelvinside, Glasgow, is set to stand trial on charges of rape and sexual offences involving multiple women. The allegations date back to incidents spanning from January 2006 to June 2021. Kohli faces 20 charges in total, including five separate rape charges against one victim. The trial is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2027.

The first alleged rape occurred between 15 June and 31 July 2020 at a house near Glasgow, with further accusations from June 2020 to February 2021, and an incident on 20 June 2021 when the victim was reportedly intoxicated and unable to consent. Additionally, Kohli is accused of four sexual assault charges involving the same woman, including coercing her into wearing a blindfold and aggressive behavior such as spitting on her. The charges also detail a pattern of abusive behavior over two years, where he allegedly tracked her movements, demanded intimate images, and financially exploited her.

Hardeep Singh Kohli Further accusations include indecent assaults on three other women at various locations, including BBC Scotland studios and different hotels from 2006 to 2016. Specific incidents include groping, unwanted physical contact, and sexually explicit remarks. Kohli denies all charges, with his legal team proffering a defense of consent for several allegations.

During a recent court appearance, Kohli’s defense team indicated readiness for trial, estimating it to last four to five days. The Crown has prepared for the proceedings, with witnesses and evidence disclosed as part of the pre-trial process. Kohli has previously appeared in various television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and MasterChef, and has hosted BBC Radio 4 programs.