Actor Ajaz Khan moves Bombay High Court for anticipatory bail in rape case

Actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a rape case filed by an actress, who has accused him of inducing her into a sexual relationship on false promise of marriage [Ajaz Khan v State of Maharashtra]. .On May 22, a vacation bench of Justice Shyam Chandak had sought the state’s reply on Khan’s plea and posted the matter for consideration on June 2 (Monday). However, when the matter came up for hearing on June 2, vacation judge Justice Ashwin D Bhobe adjourned the hearing after Khan’s lawyer cited personal difficulty. The case will now be listed before a regular bench once the court reopens after the summer break.As per the first information report (FIR) registered by Charkop police, based on the woman’s complaint, Khan abused his celebrity status and position as a reality show host to have sexual relations with her multiple times on promise of marriage and financial support..In his bail plea filed through advocate Ashok Saraogi, Khan has denied all allegations and has claimed that the relationship was consensual and that the complaint has been filed with malicious intent. “Possibly, there were physical relationship between the Applicant and the said girl which was by consent and not by force in any manner whatsoever,” Khan has contended.Khan, who is married, has argued that the complainant was aware of his marital status and still pursued him. According to Khan’s petition, the complainant repeatedly insisted on marrying him since he follows Muslim faith and is permitted to have a second wife. This proposal was consistently rejected by Khan, the plea has claimed..He has further alleged that the complainant has a questionable past and claims to have submitted material evidence to support this, including online content and private conversations. The actor has placed before the court WhatsApp chats and other messages, asserting they show a consensual relationship.Khan also accused the complainant of attempting extortion, claiming she demanded ₹10 lakh from him before backing off. He has submitted screenshots of the alleged demand to the court..The actor's earlier bail application was rejected by a sessions court on May 15, which cited the need for custodial interrogation. Contesting this, Khan has filed the present application before High Court. According to the plea, even if the entire allegations are taken as it is, the same do not require any such custody.The matter will now be taken up after the court vacation. .Advocate Ashok Saraogi along with advocate Amit Dubey appeared for Khan.Additional Public Prosecutor KT Hiwarale appeared for State.Advocate Kaustubh S Pawar appeared for the complainant-woman..[Read Order]