The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to actor Sahil Khan in the case of his alleged instigation of the attempt to suicide by bodybuilder Manoj Patil, Live Law reported.
An FIR was filed against Khan and three others on September 17, charging them with abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation, and defamation. The case was registered after Patil allegedly tried to take his life by overdosing on sleeping pills. After the incident, Patil’s manager had said that the model took the extreme step after being harassed by the actor.
The FIR was registered against Sahil under sections 306 (abetment to suicide), 511 (offences punishable with a life sentence), 500 (punishment for defamation), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention with other accused) of the Indian Penal Code.
Senior advocate Rajeev Chavan, appearing for Khan, said that his client had no criminal antecedents and that the complaint was lodged by Patil due to some past misunderstandings and grudges between the duo. Chavan added that the complaint lodged by Patil was false and motivated, and argued that the abetment of suicide charge had been wrongly and arbitrarily applied in the case. He said this section is inapplicable as Patil is still alive.
The court agreed with Khan’s lawyer and granted the actor pre-arrest bail. In case of an arrest, Khan is to be released on the furnishing of a bail bond of Rs 25000.
However, the actor has been directed to co-operate with investigators and undertake not to post anything on social media or make public statements against the complainant.
Apart from Khan, the three others booked in the case are Raja Faujdar, Junaid Kalivala, and Rubal Dandkar.
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Previously, Khan had held a press conference where he accused Patil of selling fake steroids to fellow athlete Faujdar. Khan also stated that the matter was not between him and Patil; the actor claimed that he was only trying to help Faujdar get his money back.
If you or someone you know is in need of support for suicidal thoughts or behaviour, please reach out to the following helpline numbers:
AASRA- 24×7 Helpline (Hindi and English): +91-9820466726
KIRAN- 24×7 Helpline: 1800-599-0019