THE TIMES OF INDIA (July 29, 2021)

Mumbai: A magistrate court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of businessman Raj Kundra in the pornography case being investigated by the Crime Branch. The prosecution submitted that investigations are in progress and, if granted relief, the 45-year-old accused might tamper with the evidence. It was also submitted that the statement of key witnesses, including the victims, were yet to be recorded. The court also rejected the bail plea of Ryan Thorpe (43), the IT head of Kundra’s company. Kundra has now moved the sessions court for bail.

Opposing the bail pleas, the prosecution submitted it could not be ruled out that Kundra, who was known in the film industry, had uploaded obscene videos of actors and actresses and that Thorpe had aided the act. Kundra had sought bail on Tuesday after the court refused the police plea for extension of his custody. He was instead sent to 14 days’ judicial custody. The bail plea said the chargesheet was already filed and as such, no case was made out against Kundra. It further said there was no evidence to show he was involved and his name had not even featured in the initial probe. During the hearing on Wednesday, his advocates submitted his family was based in the city and he would be available for further investigations. The prosecution expressed fears that Kundra would abscond as he was a British national. It was also submitted the accused was rich and could use his wealth to influence witnesses.

The defence, however, sought parity with other accused who have been granted bail in the case. They even questioned if Kundra was a “terrorist”.

Opposing Thorpe’s plea, the prosecution submitted a model had complained to the police about her obscene video being broadcast on Hotshots app. An FIR was registered at Malwani police station and investigations were on. If granted bail, there were fears that the accused might threaten the complainant, the prosecution’s reply said. It was also alleged that Thorpe, in collusion with other accused, had been broadcasting obscene videos for a subscription charge. The prosecution said an investigation into his finances needed to be carried out.

The prosecution said if granted relief, the accused would be encouraged to continue to make such obscene films that damaged the social fabric. It iterated that after the Hotshots app was shut down, the accused conspired to create another one.
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Fresh FIR filed against accused Gehena Vashist

Mumbai: The Crime Branch late on Tuesday registered a fresh FIR against actor and model Gehena Vashist and the production team of three apps, including Hotshots app of Raj Kundra, following a complaint by a 21-year-old aspiring model from MP. Sources said though Kundra has not been named in this FIR, he is likely to be made an accused as his app has been mentioned in the complaint. Hotshots is owned by Kundra’s brother-in-law Pradeep Bakshi’s company Kenrin, registered in the UK.

According to the model’s complaint, she was taken to different bungalows in Madh Island and one in Lonavala and forced to act in porn films. The clips were later uploaded on the apps. This is the fourth FIR in connection with the pornography racket. TNN
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Corut says the release of the accused could hamper the investigation into the case; another victim comes forward, fourth FIR is registered in connection with the pornography racket
Faizan Khan (MID-DAY; July 29, 2021)

The Killa court on Wednesday rejected the bail application of key conspirator Raj Kundra and his associate, Ryan Thorpe, in connection with the pornography racket. Kundra applied for bail after he was sent to 14 days judicial custody by the court on Wednesday. The Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday also registered another FIR against four people including actress Gehna Vasisth, after a fresh victim came forward. The Crime Branch has also said that there is no incriminating evidence against actress Shilpa Shetty so far in their investigation.

While arguing on the bail application, defence lawyer Abad Ponda said the charge sheet has been filed and the other accused who secured bail have even severe allegations against them compared to Kundra and Thorpe. As per the previous judgment of the courts unless the exceptional is not brought by the prosecution, the bail shouldn’t be denied if the punishment is not life or death penalty.

Investigating Officer Kiran Bidve told the court another FIR has been filed against other people and few more victims have come forward, so if bail is granted, the accused could influence many other victims and help the other accused escape. Thorpe is an IT expert and could tamper with the electronic evidence. The public prosecutor said the accused are rich and influential people and can handle further investigation.

The defence lawyer said that the accused are not terrorists and there is no complaint or evidence that they stopped victims approaching the police or tampered with the evidence. The IO said that electronic evidence has already been destroyed and they are trying to recover it with the help of experts.

While rejecting the bail application of Kundra and Thorpe, the court said, “The alleged offence is also detrimental to the health of our society. In such circumstances, social interest of the prosecution of crime which has wider social dimensions, cannot be overlooked. At  present investigation is in progress and in such circumstances the release of the accused will definitely hamper the investigation, so considering the facts and  circumstances both the bail applications are rejected.”

Another FIR lodged
According to the crime branch, a new victim has came forward claiming she was also forced to sign agreements after being ensured a major role in OTT films. She claimed, however, she was forced into pornography by Vasisth and three producers who are associated with the apps —  Hotshots, Nueflliks and Gupchup. According to the victim, multiple videos of her were shot by the accused who threatened to lodge a police complaint against her, after taking the first nude shot on camera.

“There are multiple locations where the nude videos were shot and the victim was paid Rs 10k-Rs 20k. She was first approached by Vasisth for a role on OTT platforms,” a police officer said.

This is the fourth FIR registered in connection with the pornography racket. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under various Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including 420 (cheating), 392 (punishment for robbery), 393 (attempt to commit robbery), and provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act and section 67,67A of Information Technology Act.