Mumbai, Maharashtra – May 27, 2022 – A Mumbai Sessions Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Abdul Gulab Sayed, who is accused of rape and other serious offenses during the filming of a web series. The court cited the gravity of the allegations and the potential for witness tampering as reasons for denying bail.

Sayed was implicated in Crime No. 66 of 2021, registered at Malvani Police Station, under sections 292 (sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.), 293 (sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 376 (rape) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as sections 67 and 67(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2005, and sections 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

The complainant, an actress working in Hindi and Marathi serials, alleged that she was lured under the pretext of a role in a web series. She was taken to a bungalow in Madh Island, where she was subjected to a forced sexual encounter. According to the prosecution, the complainant was told she would play the role of a queen in the series and was initially assured that she would be fully clothed during the shoot.

However, she alleged that she was later coerced into performing sexual acts with three men of short stature, including the applicant, and then with another actor, Akash, who played the role of the king. The complainant stated that these acts were filmed and subsequently uploaded to the NUEFLIKS website, defaming her. She named Gehana Vasisht as the producer/director of the web series and the primary orchestrator of the alleged assault.

Abdul Gulab Sayed, through his advocates Aarti Dharamsey and Leela Ranga, argued that he was innocent and falsely implicated in the case. They emphasized that his name was not initially mentioned in the FIR and that, due to his short stature (approximately 2.5 feet), he could not be considered one of the “dwarf/tiny men” described by the complainant. They also argued that the allegations were primarily directed at Gehana Vasisht and other co-accused, and that there was no direct evidence against him. Furthermore, they pointed out that the charge sheet had been filed and the investigation was complete, making custodial interrogation unnecessary.

However, the prosecution, represented by APP Kalpana Hire, strongly opposed the bail application, arguing that Sayed, along with the co-accused, had committed serious offenses, including rape, cheating, and threats. The prosecution argued that Sayed had forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim against her will and that releasing him on bail would pose a risk of him tampering with evidence and pressuring the complainant and witnesses.

Additional Sessions Judge Smt. Sanjashree J. Gharat, after considering the arguments and examining the FIR, concluded that the allegations against Sayed were grave and serious. The court noted the direct allegations of rape, cheating, and threats, and expressed concern that releasing Sayed on bail could lead to the tampering of prosecution evidence.

“Looking into the gravity of offence, I am not inclined to grant bail to the Accused,” Judge Gharat stated in her order, rejecting the bail application.

The court’s decision underscores the severity with which it views allegations of sexual assault, particularly in cases involving coercion and exploitation. The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals in the entertainment industry and the importance of ensuring their safety and protection. The case will now proceed to trial, where the court will thoroughly examine the evidence and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.