Actor Ajaz Khan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail after Charkop police filed an FIR accusing him of repeatedly having sexual relations with a woman under the false promise of marriage.
Mumbai: Actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan has approached the Bombay High Court to seek anticipatory bail in a rape case filed by an actress. She alleges that he induced her into a sexual relationship by falsely promising marriage.
A vacation bench led by Justice Shyam Chandak, On May 22, requested the state’s response to Khan’s plea and scheduled the matter for June 2 .
However, during the June 2 hearing, vacation judge Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe postponed the case after Khan’s lawyer cited personal difficulties. The matter will be taken up by a regular bench once the court resumes after the summer break.
According to the first information report (FIR) filed by Charkop police, based on the woman’s complaint, Khan exploited his celebrity status and role as a reality show host to engage in sexual relations with her multiple times under the pretense of marriage and financial support.
In his bail application submitted through advocate Ashok Saraogi, Khan has denied all allegations, asserting that the relationship was consensual and that the complaint was made with malicious intent.
Khan has contended,
“Possibly, there were physical relationships between the Applicant and the said girl which was by consent and not by force in any manner whatsoever,”
Also Read: Ludhiana Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Actor Sonu Sood for Ignoring Summons
Khan, who is married, argued that the complainant was aware of his marital status and yet continued to pursue him. According to Khan’s petition, the complainant repeatedly expressed a desire to marry him, as he follows the Muslim faith and is allowed to take a second wife.
This proposal was consistently rejected by Khan, the plea claims.
He has further alleged that the complainant has a questionable past and claims to have provided material evidence to support this, including online content and private conversations. The actor has presented WhatsApp chats and other messages to the court, asserting that they demonstrate a consensual relationship.
Khan also accused the complainant of attempting extortion, alleging that she demanded Rs.10 lakh from him before backing down. He has submitted screenshots of this alleged demand to the court.
The actor’s previous bail application was denied by a sessions court on May 15, which cited the necessity for custodial interrogation. In response, Khan has filed the current application before the High Court.
According to the plea, even if all allegations are taken at face value, they do not warrant any form of custody.
The matter will be addressed after the court’s vacation.
Advocate Ashok Saraogi, along with advocate Amit Dubey, represented Khan, while Additional Public Prosecutor K.T. Hiwarale appeared for the State. Advocate Kaushik S. Pawar represented the complainant.
Case Title: Ajaz Khan v State of Maharashtra
Read Attachment