Says the release of the accused could hamper the investigation into the case; another victim comes forward, fourth FIR is registered in connection with the pornography racket
Raj Kundra and Ryan Thorpe. File pics/Suresh Karkera, Bipin Kokate
The Killa court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of key conspirator Raj Kundra and his associate, Ryan Thorpe, in connection with the pornography racket. Kundra applied for bail after he was sent to 14 days judicial custody by the court on Wednesday. The Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday also registered another FIR against four people including actress Gehna Vasisth, after a fresh victim came forward. The Crime Branch has also said that there is no incriminating evidence against actress Shilpa Shetty so far in their investigation.
While arguing on the bail application, defence lawyer Abad Ponda said the charge sheet has been filed and the other accused who secured bail have even severe allegations against them compared to Kundra and Thorpe. As per the previous judgment of the courts unless the exceptional is not brought by the prosecution, the bail shouldn’t be denied if the punishment is not life or death penalty.
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Investigating Officer Kiran Bidve told the court another FIR has been filed against other people and few more victims have come forward, so if bail is granted, the accused could influence many other victims and help the other accused escape. Thorpe is an IT expert and could tamper with the electronic evidence. The public prosecutor said the accused are rich and influential people and can handle further investigation.
The defence lawyer said that the accused are not terrorists and there is no complaint or evidence that they stopped victims approaching the police or tampered with the evidence. The IO said that electronic evidence has already been destroyed and they are trying to recover it with the help of experts.
While rejecting the bail application of Kundra and Thorpe, the court said, “The alleged offence is also detrimental to the health of our society. In such circumstances, social interest of the prosecution of crime which has wider social dimensions, cannot be overlooked. At present investigation is in progress and in such circumstances the release of the accused will definitely hamper the investigation, so considering the facts and circumstances both the bail applications are rejected.”
Also read: Porn films case: Fresh FIR names producers of Raj Kundra's firm, actress Gehana Vashishth
Another FIR lodged
According to the crime branch, a new victim has came forward claiming she was also forced to sign agreements after being ensured a major role in OTT films. She claimed, however, she was forced into pornography by Vasisth and three producers who are associated with the apps — hotshots, Nueflliks and Gupchup. According to the victim, multiple videos of her were shot by the accused who threatened to lodge a police complaint against her, after taking the first nude shot on camera.
“There are multiple locations where the nude videos were shot and the victim was paid Rs 10k-Rs 20k. She was first approached by Vasisth for a role on OTT platforms,” a police officer said.
This is the fourth FIR registered in connection with the pornography racket. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under various Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including 420 (cheating), 392 (punishment for robbery), 393 (attempt to commit robbery), and provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act and section 67,67A of Information Technology Act.
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