FACES RAPE CHARGE

Court paves the way for trial of Bhandarkar

Mumbai: In a blow to Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar, a local court passed an order on Monday paving the way for his trial under charges of rape and criminal intimidation. Bhandarkar will have to be present in court on October 18.
    “The court has issued the process, which means that it has taken cognizance after observing that prima facie a case of rape and criminal intimidation has been made out against Bhandarkar,” Jain’s lawyer Sushan Kunjuraman said.
    In July 2004, Preeti Jain, a model, had lodged a complaint with the Versova police against
Bhandarkar, alleging that he had raped her 16 times between 1999 and 2004 under the pretext of casting her in his films.
    Bhandarkar, who has films like Fashion, Page 3 and Traffic Signal to his credit, told TOI, “I am a fighter. I will fight the case till proven innocent. I and my lawyer will look at a copy of the case and accordingly challenge it in the higher court. Preeti has been pulled up by courts in the past and strong strictures have been passed against her.”
    Bhandarkar can, however, apply for anticipatory bail in a sessions court.
    The case has witnessed many twists and turns over seven years. In May 2007, the Versova police filed a ‘B’ summary report and stated that there was no evidence to back Jain’s allegations. Jain filed an application in court requesting further investigation, which was granted. In 2009, the police again filed a report iterating their stand. The police said that Jain’s complaint was false and lacked evidence. But the court rejected the report and said it would conduct an inquiry in the case. In December 2010, the court recorded Jain’s statement. 

    Bhandarkar and Jain were not really big names in 2004. While the director was three films old, with only Chandni Bar being a success, Jain was struggling as an actor.
    Jain told TOI, “Rape is a serious offence. A rapist belongs to jail. I have suffered greatly at the hands of Madhur Bhandarkar and I want him to be punished adequately.’’
    Jain, who has been pulled up by court earlier, said, “Truth can be troubled but not defeated.’’
    Jain has turned into a film producer and has been anchoring live events and entertainment shows. “I want a strong message to go out to society that women are not sex objects and no one is above law. My case is against a man who happens to be a director. I have no bias against producers and directors in general. I hold the film industry in the highest esteem,” Jain said. 

 
The Story So Far In July 2004, Preeti Jain lodged a complaint with the Versova police against Madhur Bhandarkar, alleging he had raped her 16 times between 1999 and 2004 under the pretext of casting her. Bhandarkar was granted bail within a week. In May 2007, the police filed a ‘B’ summary report and stated there was no evidence to back Jain’s charges. Jain filed a plea requesting further investigations, which was granted. In 2009, the police again filed a report iterating their stand. The police said Jain’s complaint was false and lacked evidence. But the court rejected the report and said it would conduct an inquiry. In December 2010, the court recorded Jain’s statement. In 2005, a sessions court granted bail to Jain after she was charged with conspiracy to murder Bhandarkar. ChargesIPC 376 (rape) and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) What Next Bhandarkar has to be present in court on October 18. Till then, he can filing an anticipatory bail plea before a sessions court.