Court issues notice to Morani in rape case

The IV Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court served notices on Bollywood producer Karim Morani on Thursday. Morani is the accused in a rape case filed by a 24-year-old Mumbai-based theatre artiste in January. The court also ordered Morani to appear before it on Monday.

Police found that in addition to his arrest in the 2G scam and serving five months in judicial custody, Morani was caught smuggling fake wrist watches at the Mumbai airport in 2012. He was caught with five watches which he did not declare to customs. Inquiries revealed that the watches were fakes of costly models.

Meanwhile, the police who analysed the call data records of Morani and the victim found they were in Hyderabad in September and October 2015. This has matched the victim’s statement that they were in Hyderabad and stayed at a famous hotel where Morani sexually assaulted her.

Police also questioned five drivers who picked up and dropped Morani and the victim from the airport during their stay in Hyderabad. Police also questioned the hotel staff to verify the victim’s allegations. The police is now compiling the evidence collected.

Police sources said they are on the job of collecting more evidence in connection with the case to prove the charges against Morani. Earlier, after the case was registered, Morani was granted anticipatory bail by court. But later, the police found that while moving the bail petition, Morani had concealed the fact that he was arrested in the 2G scam. The police filed a petition to cancel Morani’s bail. The court admitted the petition and adjourned the hearing to Monday.