Raj Kundra denied bail by Mumbai court in pornography case

A Mumbai court on Wednesday dismissed Raj Kundra's bail application in the case of producing and distributing pornographic content.

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Raj Kundra denied bail by Mumbai court in pornography case
Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai crime branch on July 19 in a case related to alleged creation of pornographic films and publishing them through apps.

A Mumbai court on Wednesday dismissed Raj Kundra's bail application in the case of producing and distributing pornographic content.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhir Bhajipale has rejected the bail plea of Raj Kundra.

Mumbai police had objected to Raj Kundra's bail application while stating that the investigation in the case is still underway.

Inspector Kiran Bidve, who is the investigating officer of the case, got into the witness box and said tampering of evidence could take place if Raj Kundra is granted bail. He said some statements of victims are yet to be recorded.

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In his bail plea, Raj Kundra claimed that there was no question of him being kept in the police custody as he was being fully cooperative in the case.

"The maximum punishment is seven years in this case and so there is no question of being kept in custody and should be given bail. Kundra is married and has family and home here in Mumbai. So there is no question of him not being available for investigation," Advocate Abaad Ponda, appearing for Raj Kundra, said in court.

"The issue is not whether Raj Kundra is innocent or not. The issue is whether he can be released on bail or not. Chargesheet is already filed and all accused are on bail. Some even had severe roles as they were caught doing it".

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WHAT HAPPENED IN COURT

Mumbai Police said that Raj Kundra is a british national and so he could flee the country to avoid prosecution. To this, Raj Kundra's lawyer argued that "police knew even when they filed chargesheet in February that he was a British national and his passport is already with the police. Further, conditions can be imposed." He further added that accused with much graver charges have been released on bail in the case.

While opposing Raj Kundra's bail application, public prosecutor Ekanath Dhamal argued, "Needy women were being forced into this crime. Many victims are coming forward and that if bail is granted to Kundra then they might not come forward." He also added that the accused are rich and influential people."

To this, Raj Kundra's lawyer Abaad Ponda replied: "Is Kundra a terrorist? Has he terrorised anyone? From February to now, can police show a single statement to show that Kundra asked anyone to not go and give statement to police?"

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed Raj Kundra's bail application.

Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, was arrested by the Mumbai crime branch on July 19 in a case related to alleged creation of pornographic films and publishing them through apps.

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