Trouble seems to be far from over for Madhur Bhandarkar with a local court today saying it will conduct an inquiry into rape charges by aspiring actress Preeti Jain against the filmmaker who, however, is unlikely to face arrest
Trouble seems to be far from over for Madhur Bhandarkar with a local court today saying it will conduct an inquiry into rape charges by aspiring actress Preeti Jain against the filmmaker who, however, is unlikely to face arrest.
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The Andheri Metropolitan Magistrate while rejecting the adverse report by police said it would conduct an inquiry into the case and record Jain's statement on December 22.
The court observed that Bhandarkar need not be arrested in the case.
The court has directed Preity Jain, the alleged victim to present her evidence during the next hearing on December 22.
Speaking to MiD DAY, Preity said, "I am very happy today, I have sufficient evidence against Madhur and will produce the same before the court. My faith in judiciary is reinforced."
On January 1, 2006, investigating police officer Mohan Sanke of Versova Police station filed a summary report in the court favouring Madhur Bhandarkar.
Preeti added, this is probably the first case where police had filed a summary in a rape case.
Attempts to contact Madhur Bhandarkar did not yield any result.
Ashok Pandit, a close friend of Madhur said, "We would seek all legal possible assistance to fight the case, whenever it comes up. Both the Sessions and High Court had already raised doubts about the complainant's credentials. The case right now is between the state and judiciary and when we will get involved, we will fight till the end."
Madhur Bhandarkar was booked by Mumbai Police on charges of rape and issuing threats to a model turned actress Preity Jain in 2004. Jain accused director Madhur Bhandarkar of casting couch. She had alleged that Bhandarkar had sexually exploited her from 1999 to 2004 on the pretext of getting her a role in his film and marrying her.
Bhandarkar was later released on bail in July 2004.