Mumbai, April 12, 2022 – In a significant legal development, the Sessions Court of Greater Mumbai has denied bail to Salman Khan Kabeer Ahmed Khan, a 28-year-old salesman from Kurla, who stands accused of extortion, sexual assault, and criminal intimidation. The court order, issued by Additional Sessions Judge Sonali P. Agarwal (C.R. No. 41), rejected Khan’s bail plea, citing concerns over evidence tampering, threats to witnesses, and potential absconding.
Case Background
The case, registered under Crime No. 90/2022 at V.B. Nagar Police Station, involves allegations that Khan exploited his acquaintance with the complainant, a woman who regularly visited a medical shop where he worked. According to the prosecution, Khan used this relationship to gain access to her home under the pretext of delivering medicines. Over time, he allegedly engaged in unwarranted physical contact, took intimate photographs without consent, and subsequently blackmailed the woman by threatening to share the images with her in-laws.
The complaint further states that Khan coerced the victim into handing over a sum of ₹5 lakh, four gold bangles (weighing nine tolas), and a one-tola gold locket. Additionally, he allegedly threatened to kidnap her daughter if she disclosed his actions.
Defense Arguments
Khan’s defense, represented by Advocate Moin Khan, argued that the allegations were fabricated and that the complainant had been in a consensual extramarital relationship with the accused. The defense produced WhatsApp chats and images as purported evidence of the consensual nature of their relationship. Furthermore, Khan claimed that he had been assaulted and kidnapped by the complainant’s relatives, who allegedly demanded ₹10 lakh from him under threats of further harm.
The defense also pointed out a delay in the filing of the First Information Report (FIR), which was lodged on March 25, 2022, despite the alleged incident occurring on March 17, 2022. They argued that this delay cast doubt on the credibility of the prosecution’s claims. Additionally, Khan asserted that he had no prior criminal record and sought bail on these grounds.
Prosecution’s Stand
The prosecution, represented by APP Mrs. Shelar, strongly opposed the bail application, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. They highlighted that the money and jewelry extorted from the complainant had not yet been recovered. Furthermore, they raised concerns over the safety of witnesses, alleging that Khan had issued threats to intimidate them.
Another critical factor cited by the prosecution was Khan’s residence status. As he was living in a rented accommodation and originally hailed from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, they argued that there was a high possibility of him absconding if released on bail. The prosecution also pointed out that an iPhone allegedly purchased by the accused had not been recovered, indicating ongoing financial transactions linked to the case.
Court’s Decision
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Sonali P. Agarwal concluded that the allegations against Khan were serious and that there was sufficient prima facie evidence to suggest he had manipulated his relationship with the complainant for personal and financial gain. The court noted that the pending recovery of the extorted money and jewelry, as well as concerns over witness intimidation, warranted the rejection of the bail application.
“The accused misused the relationship with the informant and extorted money and ornaments from her. Given the severity of the charges and the incomplete investigation, granting bail at this stage could lead to the accused tampering with evidence or fleeing from justice,” the court stated in its order.
Legal Implications
The case sheds light on the issue of coercion and abuse of trust in personal relationships. It also underscores the judiciary’s cautious approach in cases involving financial extortion and sexual misconduct. Legal experts note that the court’s decision to deny bail aligns with precedents set in cases where witness protection and evidence integrity are at risk.
Next Steps
With the bail application rejected, Khan will remain in judicial custody while the investigation continues. Authorities are expected to recover the extorted money and jewelry and further probe the claims made by both the complainant and the accused. The case is likely to move towards trial in the coming months, where both sides will present their evidence in detail.
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in cases of alleged extortion and sexual assault, where evidence and testimonies play a crucial role in determining the course of justice.
