Updated October 20th, 2021 at 07:36 IST
Aryan Khan Bail Hearing: Court reserves order on Aryan's bail plea for Oct 20
Aryan Khan was remanded for 14-day judicial custody by the magistrate court earlier on October 7, later his bail plea was denied in the Mumbai drug bust case.
9: 30 IST, October 14th 2021
NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede's security has been beefed up following complaints that he was being snooped by some unknown persons. His vehicle has also been changed, he would be using an SUV so that more security personnel can accompany him, instead of using a sedan. He will be protected by 4 police personnel now. In addition to this, the olice deployment outside NCB office also increased
Wankhede had earlier approached the Maharashtra police with the complaint regarding 'illegal surveillance.'
7: 55 IST, October 14th 2021
A money order amounting to Rs. 4,500 dated Oct 11, was received by Arthur Road jail authorities from Aryan Khan’s family. This money order was for Aryan Khan’s canteen expenses. As per the jail rules, a prisoner is allowed only one money order of Rs. 4,500 a month.
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7: 46 IST, October 14th 2021
Filmmaker Imtiaz Khatri left the NCB office after questioning in connection with the Mumbai cruise drug bust case on Thursday evening. This is the film producer's fourth round of questioning by the agency. Khatri was earlier grilled by the NCB for over 8 hours on Saturday.
NCB sources have alleged that Imtiyaz Khatri, who is the son of a renowned Mumbai-based builder, has links to the supply angle of the case. He is said to be close to several Bollywood actors including the accused Aryan Khan and Arbaaz Merchant and has also been accused of supplying drugs in the Sushant Singh Rajput matter last year.
5: 52 IST, October 14th 2021
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday reacted to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) approaching the Centre for an extensive investigation into the Mumbai cruise drugs case. The NCB, which has arrested Aryan Khan including several foreign nationals and drug peddlers in the case, has sought the MEA's assistance in tracing foreign links to drug trafficking in India.
When enquired about the NCB's move, Bagchi said, "I have no information on this. I will check and revert."
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5: 18 IST, October 14th 2021
Speaking to Republic TV about the court reserving its order on the bail plea, Ali Kashif Khan, Lawyer of one of the accused Munmun Dhamecha, said, 'it's unfortunate but we have no option left'
#BREAKING | Ali Kashif Khan, Lawyer of one of the accused Munmun Dhamecha, speaks to media after Court reserves order in bail hearing in Mumbai cruise drug bust case, says 'it's unfortunate but we have no option left'. Watch #LIVE updates here https://t.co/aPPzyhl1dj pic.twitter.com/fSZ4iXEfXj
— Republic (@republic) October 14, 2021
4: 49 IST, October 14th 2021
After hearing both sides of the arguments for over several hours, the court has reserved the order on the bail petition of Aryan Khan. The verdict will be produced on October 20.
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4: 37 IST, October 14th 2021
Reacting to the NCB's move to approach the Ministry of External Affairs to investigate the connections of foreign nationals involved in the case, advocate Amit Desai said Aryan Khan has nothing to do with international drug trafficking or illicit trafficking.
The NCB is saying they have written to the head of dept or MEA, which means they are continuing with their investigation.
Whatsapp chat is something very private but now it's been going around the world, said Desai.
"The factual conversation is about the rave party, and Aryan not involved with anybody. There are no messages or conversations at the party. There was no recovery either. Aryan was overseas for several months," he noted.
Desai reiterated that Aryan's liberty should not be taken as he assures cooperation with the investigation There is a fit case of bail and it should be granted, said Desai.
4: 19 IST, October 14th 2021
The crucial stage of interrogation of Aryan Khan was completed between October 3 and 7. The only link from Aryan Khan is Aachit Kumar, and he was arrested with a small quantity of drugs, noted advocate Desai. He further said that another peddler named Abdul was arrested by the NCB, who has no connection with Aryan Khan.
"To whom was Abdul linked? Who gave them the information about Abdul? It was not Aryan nor Arbaaz but Mohak, who gave NCB the information on Abdul. There is no connection between Mohak and Aryan and this is the fact mentioned in the remand application," the lawyer stated.
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4: 09 IST, October 14th 2021
Adv Amit Desai noted that Aryan Khan's mobile which was seized by the NCB officials was not handed over to him later. Stating that it was not voluntarily given to the authorities, Desai said, if the mobile was seized, there should be a panchnama. "If it was surrendered, there should be a seizure memo. It must be handed over to the party from whom it is recovered," he said.
"We are seeking bail. The device is still in their possession. If it has incriminating material, it will lead to an investigation. Why must that stop my liberty? The bail will not affect the investigation one bit. How will their investigation be affected if I am let out on bail?" Aryan's lawyer argued.
4: 03 IST, October 14th 2021
Adv Amit Desai says a person found with a small quantity or less than commercial quantity with a punishable of one-year imprisonment has the right to file bail. He goes on to state, "the learned ASG has argued that the celebrity role model should be treated harshly as it is a lesson for young generations so they should not commit the offence in future and this referred to Aryan Khan. I don't argue, as everyone is equal before the court. Each case should be decided on merit. The retraction is on record. So let's stick to the law," he added.
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3: 52 IST, October 14th 2021
Aryan Khan's Lawyer Amit Desai acknowledged ASG Anil Singh's arguments about NCB's fight against the menace of drugs.
Desai said, "As a citizen of this country, there is no debate or doubt that the entire world is fighting against drugs. We are concerned about the generation and youth, I appreciate NCB in Mumbai or anywhere in the country for what they do as their job."
To make his case stronger for seeking bail of Aryan Khan, Desai added, "The chain is from dealer to peddler and peddler to consumers. But there is a need to learn the legislature chain. We are dealing with the bail application and without affecting the investigation, bail can be granted"
3: 36 IST, October 14th 2021
ASG Anil Singh citing a series of judgements to build his case for the NCB; now citing Bombay HC judgement in Harsh Patel vs Customs.
"I rely upon the last paragraph of the judgement which stated that - the organisation involved under narcotic or illegal trafficking particularly among students and youth, which is causing harm among the society..." Anil Singh said.
He further elaborated on how the menace of rampant narcotics is affecting society and how the NCB officials are working laboriously against the menace of rampant narcotics.
He said, "With this, my submission to the court is, when we are considering a case under the NDPS Act, the court has to consider the stringent of the act.. All the country should take this drug trafficking seriously as it is affecting society and nation time to time"
"They put their lives in danger to fight against drug trafficking as it affects your young generations. Youth is our future generation, the country is dependent on this youth... So we are fighting with every connection... We are routing to connection, the transactions we are routing to everything connected to case.", said Anil Singh representing NCB
"Court should appreciate the work of NCB, Bombay. Our department is working day and night to find the solution to finish the drug trafficking. But we are dealing with allegations now," he added.
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3: 07 IST, October 14th 2021
2: 58 IST, October 14th 2021
ASG Anil Singh during his argument is citing Mohammed Azhal’s Bombay High court judgment.
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2: 55 IST, October 14th 2021
The bail hearing will now resume as the bench has reassembled after the lunch break.
2: 52 IST, October 14th 2021
The Sessions Court bench hearing Aryan Khan's bail plea has reassembled after the lunch break.
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2: 01 IST, October 14th 2021
The Special NDPS Court hearing Aryan Khan's bail plea is currently on a lunch break. The hearing will resume at 2:45 pm
1: 55 IST, October 14th 2021
The ASG appearing for NCB argued that granting bail is not a good decision.
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1: 49 IST, October 14th 2021
The ASG has said that the quantity of the hard drug cannot be for personal consumption and that it can be seen in chats. He further stated that the peddler and foreign national were in touch with Aachit Kumar. In addition, he also informed that the agency is in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to get the details of the foreign nationals.
1: 44 IST, October 14th 2021
ASG opposes claims that Aryan Khan was not in possession of drugs and states that it may not be correct as the drugs were meant for both accused.
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1: 41 IST, October 14th 2021
ASG Anil Singh further said that he has shown panchnama and whatsapp chats. In addition, he pointed out to the relevant portion of panchnama and asserted that records indicate that Aryan Khan and Arbaz Merchant consumed drugs for the cruise journey.
1: 38 IST, October 14th 2021
ASG Anil Singh in his arguments has stated that the applicant has not consumed drugs for the first time. In addition, he also said that evidence proves that the applicant regularly consumed contraband since last few years. He added that the drugs recovered Arbaz Merchant who was accompanying Khan were for both of them.
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1: 28 IST, October 14th 2021
The hearing for Aryan Khan's bail plea has resumed at sessions court as ASG has started with his submissions as the hearing began. The ASG also apologised for being late and mentioned that he was caught up in matters which mandated his presence.
Catch live updates here:
1: 20 IST, October 14th 2021
SPP AM Chimalker appearing for the NCB had earlier informed that ASG Anil Singh will reach Sessions Court in 20-25 minutes. The ASG has reached the court and the hearing is likely to begin anytime. SPP Advait Sethna is also appearing with him.
Watch live updates here:
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12: 58 IST, October 14th 2021
The NCB has summoned Bollywood producer Imtiaz Khatri for the third round of questioning. Therefore, Khatri is set to arrive at 2:30 on Thursday. Earlier, he was summoned at 11 am but the questioning was delayed due to the Aryan Khan bail hearing.
12: 42 IST, October 14th 2021
SPP AM Chimalker appearing for the NCB has informed that ASG Anil Singh will reach Sessions Court in 20-25 minutes.
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12: 31 IST, October 14th 2021
Aryan Khan's bail plea hearing is likely to be deferred as ASG Anil Singh is currently arguing one of his other matter's before the Bombay High Court. Singh's junior advocate informed the court that ASG's arguments might last for 30 minutes after which the other side might respond. The High Court hearing is expected to go on for an hour. Therefore, the bail hearing of Aryan Khan is expected to start only after that.
12: 23 IST, October 14th 2021
NCB's Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede is present inside the courtroom where Aryan Khan's bail plea hearing proceedings will take place.
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12: 15 IST, October 14th 2021
As Aryan Khan's bail plea hearing is expected to begin shortly, the NCB officials have also reached the court. Tune in to follow live updates here
12: 12 IST, October 14th 2021
SPP Advait Sethna who is appearing for the NCB is also present inside the court while ASG Anil Singh is still busy in the High Court.
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12: 08 IST, October 14th 2021
The court proceedings for Aryan Khan bail plea application are expected to begin shortly. Follow for live updates here
12: 08 IST, October 14th 2021
Senior counsel Amit Desai appearing for Aryan Khan is inside the court room while Senior Advocate Satish Maneshinde has also entered the court
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11: 45 IST, October 14th 2021
Ahead of Aryan Khan's bail plea hearing, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's manager Puja Dadlani has reached the court.
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11: 18 IST, October 14th 2021
Aryan Khan bail plea hearing to continue on Thursday. Follow for live updates here
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11: 00 IST, October 14th 2021
The bail plea hearing of Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha will be heard before special Judge VV Patil on Thursday post 12 pm.
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9: 30 IST, October 14th 2021
The bail application filed by Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will continue on Thursday at 12 pm. Khan was arrested in connection with the seizure of banned drugs onboard a Goa-bound cruise ship. He is currently lodged in Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail.
9: 23 IST, October 14th 2021
The Pune City Police have issued a lookout notice against Kiran Gosai which prevents him from flying outside the country. The NCB has stated that Gosai is a witness in the high-profile Mumbai cruise drugs bust case.
Maharashtra | Pune city police issued a Lookout Notice against Kiran Gosai. The notice prevents him from flying outside the country, says Pune City Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta
— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2021
Gosai is a witness in the Cruise ship raid case, according to Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
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6: 11 IST, October 13th 2021
Amit Desai, representing Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, argues during the proceedings that there was no recovery from Aryan Khan. "The recovery as per the panchnama is 6 gram of charas from Arbaaz Merchant. There is no recovery from Aryan Khan. When comes to secret information, you are in possession for the purpose of sale or consumption but till now, as far as Aryan Khan is concerned, there is no sale or consumption."
6: 11 IST, October 13th 2021
Amit Desai argues, "On the evening of October 3, they were produced before the Magistrate Court. The people who were arrested were Aryan khan, Arbaaz Merchant, and Munmun who were shown arrested at 2 PM. While we see the panchnama, where we connect Aryan with Arbaaz but there has been no mention with Munmun. I know nothing about her. I don't know who is she, where she was, but when it comes to production, they (NCB) produced us with her."
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6: 11 IST, October 13th 2021
Coming back to Aryan Khan and Arbaaz Merchant's case, Amit Desai argued, "From Aryan Khan, nothing has been recovered. Arbaaz was carrying 6 grams of charas for their own consumption. There is no question of sale." The lawyer added,
"No doubt they are working great in the city of Mumbai, apprehending peddlers but that doesn't give them rights to arrest people with no connection."
6: 11 IST, October 13th 2021
Bail pleas of Mohak Jaswal, Aachit Kumar and Nupur Satija to be heard on October 20.
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5: 33 IST, October 13th 2021
After hearing all sides, the court adjourned the bail plea hearing to tomorrow, October 14. The court will resume the hearing at 12 PM.
5: 15 IST, October 13th 2021
In a big revelation, ASG Anil Singh said, "There is a Whatsapp chat of Aryan with foreign nationals in which they talked about hard drugs in bulk quantity. We have approached the MEA to find out how we can reach the foreign nationals."
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5: 11 IST, October 13th 2021
ASG Anil Singh argues, "My contention is, so far 20 persons have been arrested, and out of these 20, four are drug peddlers. There is a person who was arrested with a commercial quantity. Aachit is a drug peddler and there is some communication between him Aryan and Arbaaz. There is one accused name Shivraj Ramdas, he was in contact with Arbaaz. They are drug peddlers. Accused no 17,18,19,20- Aachit Kumar, Chinedu Igwe (Nigerian), Shivraj, and Okaru (Nigerian) are drug peddlers, and also ABDUL Shaikh. Commercial quantity was recovered from him."
"It is a case of conspiracy, and it is not necessary that from all the accused, commercial quantity to be found. Where there is even a small quantity, there is a case of section 29. If I am applying 29, a case of conspiracy, then everyone is reliable for the same punishment," he added.
4: 58 IST, October 13th 2021
ASG Anil Singh argues, "Aryan and Arbaaz both met at Aryan’s place. Arbaaz went to his residence, went to the same car, and then towards the terminal. I can show the panchnama, which is signed, that says that the contraband seized was taken for 'their' consumption. 'Their' as in Aryan and Arbaaz."
"To say that my case is totally different than others and I was not found in possession, that may be is correct," he added.
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4: 55 IST, October 13th 2021
"I have shown the Whatsapp chat, and in this Whatsapp chat, there is a specific referring of bulk quantity (of drugs). There are other Whatsapp chats I don't want to reveal in the open court but there is an exchange of foreign transactions which refers to hard drugs. The chats, if see minutely, it will be known why the investigation is important and releasing these accused will influence the probe in the case," ASG Anil Singh argues
4: 51 IST, October 13th 2021
"This is a responsible agency in the country, and the entire nation is concerned over drug trafficking, drug consumption, which is a serious concern. This is something that affects the entire nation, economy factory. It is not a matter of one or two or three persons, but a concern of a gang involved in drug trafficking And we have to unearth this drug trafficking," argues ASG Anil Singh representing NCB.
The ASG adds, "We are not concerned over who is invited, who were involved but I am, arguing on I am invited and involved in the party. This is not a case wherein a person says that I was invited as an invitee or I am a person of consumption, but it is a case of conspiracy. 29 is a case of conspiracy, which means all persons connected or involved are arrested."
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4: 36 IST, October 13th 2021
Arbaaz Merchant's lawyer seeks bail."There is recovery from one or the other persons. This is a simple case of consumption and nothing other than that. So my simple submission is kindly granted bail," he said.
4: 36 IST, October 13th 2021
Munmun Dhamecha's lawyer argues on behalf of her, "I was called into the cruise as I belong to the glamour world. Whereas I don't know Aryan and Arbaaz personally, I am behind the bars just to give strong grounds for their arrest. Aryan and Arbaaz have their submission of connection, but I have no connection with them. The one I know (Soumya Singh) is not even an accused in the case."
"Is the investigation progressing against me? Where is the proof of me knowing Aryan and Arbaaz?" the lawyer added.
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4: 10 IST, October 13th 2021
4: 08 IST, October 13th 2021
"So far Aryan Khan is concerned, they were aware and conscious that there is no conspiracy or the question of sell or purchase
There are no materials against him. So, I seek bail before this court as I am charged with three charges out of which 20b doesn't apply to me," Aryan Khan's lawyer Amit Desai argues.
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3: 58 IST, October 13th 2021
'Illicit trafficking deals with Section 27A, with a punishment of 10years, but in the remand application, or panchnama, the NCB hasn't spoken about illicit trafficking. When Aryan Khan was searched, they took his mobile phone, they searched. They did not invoke 27A which deals with Illicit trafficking, and Aryan was never arrested under Section 27A,' argues lawyer Amit Desai. "The offences I was arrested for were not 28 and 29, I was arrested only and only 20B and 27. I was arrested for 20B which doesn't apply, 27A - I was not arrested for," he added.
3: 58 IST, October 13th 2021
Lawyer Amit Desai further argues, "The only other thing they (NCB) talk about is being connected in a conspiracy.Where is the question of conspiracy? When there are only two people-Aryan & Arbaaz?'
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3: 44 IST, October 13th 2021
"They have mentioned illicit drug trafficking in the application, which is a very frightening and serious allegation and they have dumped it on Aryan Khan. Illicit trafficking is a term of law. How can NCB, who knows NDPS act in and out, use this term so loosely?" argues Aryan Khan's lawyer Amit Desai.
3: 41 IST, October 13th 2021
"If we see at the reply filed by the NCB, the whole reply is on this- that each person is connected to each other and conspiracy in the commission of offenses. There are 20 or 21 people arrested in the case, there has to be some connection. They can pick up anyone saying this person is connected to consumption, drug peddler, or involved in drug trafficking, etc," argues Aryan Khan's lawyer Amit Desai, adding "You connected me with whom Arbaaz merchant? There is only two people- Aryan and Arbaaz, and who else??"
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3: 37 IST, October 13th 2021
'In the second remand, everything was cut and pasted from the first remand. The same was the case with the third remand, but they have done some investigation. They (Aryan & Arbaaz) mentioned a name of a person - Aachit Kumar He was found, summoned, arrested, interrogated but what found is 2.6 grams of Ganja," argues Aryan Khan's lawyer Amit Desai
3: 04 IST, October 13th 2021
The arguments from both sides (Aryan Khan and NCB) began after NCB submitted a reply opposing the bail plea of SRK's son who is the main accused in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case.
Watch live updates here:
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3: 01 IST, October 13th 2021
In an important update, the NCB has opposed the bail plea of each accused in Mumbai's cruise ship Drug Bust Case. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) handed over copies of their reply to the concerned lawyers on bail applications of Aryan Khan and others.
Drugs on cruise matter | Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) hands over copies of their reply to the concerned lawyers on bail applications of Aryan Khan and others. NCB has opposed bail for each accused.#Mumbai
— ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2021
3: 01 IST, October 13th 2021
In the bail plea hearing of SRK's son Aryan Khan, the Drugs controller department opposed the bail while informing the court that they are looking at a larger conspiracy behind the accused of the cruise drug bust. The NCB also revealed all NDPS offences are non-bailable. NCB is currently providing its reply in Mumbai special court.
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3: 01 IST, October 13th 2021
The NCB has cited several reasons while opposing the bail plea of Aryan Khan and other accused in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case. While talking particularly about SRK's son, the NCB's reply to the NBS court stated that the accused has a major impact on society due to his influential personality and that could further damage the evidence. The NCB has also feared the possibility of Khan getting escaped.
12: 28 IST, October 13th 2021
Ahead of the bail plea hearing of Aryan Khan, the Customs Department revoked the provisional permit of Cordelia Cruises which is involved in the high-profile drug bust case in Mumbai. The action was taken by the Department after the Cordelia Cruises management failed to submit documents from the Directorate General of Shipping.
The Customs also hit out at the Cordelia Cruises firm and said that it had failed to comply.
Cordelia Cruises served notice by Customs Dept; asked to furnish provisional license https://t.co/vqVlTg6ahl
— Republic (@republic) October 13, 2021
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11: 39 IST, October 13th 2021
SRK’s Manager Puja Dadlani who is seen with the Bollywood superstar most often filed an application before the special NDPS court, with a request to allow her in the court for hearing as Aryan’s representative.
Application has been allowed by the court, post which she entered inside the courtroom.
11: 26 IST, October 13th 2021
A junior lawyer informed the court that the Additional Solicitor General - the seniormost law officer for the Centre in the State is appearing in this matter however he is caught up in High Court. The court has sought a reply from the Advocate which is accepted by the junior presenter.
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11: 15 IST, October 13th 2021
The hearing for SRK's son Aryan Khan's bail plea began in the Mumbai Cruise Drug Bust case on Wednesday. In the latest update, advocate Satish Maneshinde sought NCB's reply while the drug-controller has requested some more time. The NCB has been granted the request for more time.
11: 08 IST, October 13th 2021
In the latest update, the October 13 bail application of SRK's son will be heard before Special Judge VV Patil. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Amit Desai who had defended Salman Khan in 2015 will also represent Aryan Khan in the Mumbai Drug Bust case. NCB is expected to oppose the bail of fearing disturbances in the ongoing investigation.
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11: 04 IST, October 13th 2021
While claiming that there is no evidence against him, Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan in his bail application purported that his WhatsApp chats are being allegedly used to trap him in the Mumbai Cruise Ship Drug Case. A special Mumbai court is all set to hear the bail plea of the main accused. Earlier, the magistrate court had rejected his bail and remanded Khan for 14-day judicial custody. Currently, Aryan Khan is lodged in Arthur Road Jail
10: 49 IST, October 13th 2021
The Mumbai special court is all set to hear the bail plea of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan in the Mumbai Cruise drug bust case. In the last hearing, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had requested for seven days time to file a reply in the case involving Aryan Khan, after which the court had scheduled the next hearing for October 13.
Sources informed that in today's hearing NCB is likely to oppose the bail plea. Earlier, the drug controller had said that 'investigation will be hindered' if bail is provided to Aryan Khan and other accused. Apart from Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha have been arrested and others including Bollywood producer Imtiyaz Khatri are under interrogation.
The case dates back to October 2 when the NCB had busted a high-profile drug party on a cruise ship en route from Mumbai to Goa. The party allegedly involving celebrities, including actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, was busted after an eight-hour operation. Cocaine, Hashish, MDMA, and other drugs were recovered, and eight people - Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha, Nupur Satija, Ishmeet Singh Chadha, Mohak Jaiswal, Gomit Chopra, and Vikrant Chhokar, were arrested.
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Published October 13th, 2021 at 10:48 IST
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