Mumbai: A sessions court in Dindoshi has rejected the bail application filed by a self-styled godman who was arrested for raping and conning an actress of more than Rs 25 lakh on the pretext of exorcising her and her property in suburban Kandivali.
The incident happened in 2013 when the victim was 27 years old and was facing issues in her career and personal life.
Additional sessions Judge H.B. Gaikwad rejected the bail application filed by Ismail Khan arrested by Charkop police under various sections of Indian Police Code for raping and cheating an actress and also under provisions of Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
While rejecting the bail plea, the judge observed that on perusal of the chargesheet prima facie the applicant practiced black magic and committed forcible sexual intercourse with the victim under the pretext of removing crises from her life. “This prima facie shows his involvement in the commission of the offence,” said the judge.
“Considering the accusation made against the applicant and the nature and gravity thereon, apparently this is serious in nature. The applicant cannot be ruled out,” the judge further observed.
According to the complainant, she met accused Babubhai through her brother on June 10, 2013. Babubhai had told the victim that he is having spiritual power and he can help her get rid of crises in her professional and love life.
Babubhai had also assured that she would win flat in Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) after performing rituals at her home.
After cheating her of thousands of rupees, Babubhai introduced her to Khan who in the garb of curing her of evil spirits took more than Rs 26 lakh from her and also sexually exploited her.
After realising that she had been cheated and sexually assaulted for nearly a year, the victim lodged a complaint with Charkop police on May 9, 2014 leading to Khan’s arrest.
