A Ludhiana court has issued an arrest warrant for Bollywood actor Sonu Sood after he repeatedly failed to appear for testimony in a ₹10 lakh fraud case. The case, filed by lawyer Rajesh Khanna, alleges that Mohit Shukla defrauded him by luring him to invest in a fake “Rijika coin” scheme.
Sood was summoned as a witness but did not attend despite multiple notices, prompting the court to direct the Oshiwara Police Station in Mumbai to execute the arrest. The next hearing is scheduled for February 10, adding pressure on the investigation’s timeline.
Court Order Details
Ludhiana Judicial Magistrate Ramanpreet Kaur’s order underscores the seriousness with which the court views Sood’s absence. The order, formally addressed to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Oshiwara Police Station in Mumbai, explicitly states, “Sonu Sood… has been duly served with summon(s) or warrant(s) but he/she has failed to attend (absconds and keeps out of the way for the purpose of avoiding service of a summon(s) or warrant(s)). You are hereby ordered to arrest and bring the said Sonu Sood before the Court.” This phrasing suggests the court believes Sood deliberately evaded the summons.
The directive leaves no room for ambiguity, mandating his physical presence at the next hearing on February 10, along with a detailed report on the warrant’s execution.
Details of the Fraud Case
The fraud case originated from Rajesh Khanna’s claim that Mohit Shukla orchestrated a scheme involving a fake “Rijika coin,” promising high returns on investment. Khanna alleges he was convinced to invest ₹10 lakh, which he later discovered was fraudulent. Sonu Sood’s connection to the case remains somewhat opaque, but he was deemed a crucial witness due to his potential knowledge of the individuals involved or the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud.
The failure to appear, despite repeated summons, has hindered the investigation and led the court to escalate the matter, highlighting the importance of his testimony in resolving the case. The case has attracted considerable attention in Ludhiana, where the alleged fraud took place, and in Mumbai, where Sood resides.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
It is concerning to see Sonu Sood, an individual who has won hearts for his selfless acts of service during the pandemic and beyond, embroiled in a legal matter of this nature. While it is crucial to respect the judicial process and ensure that everyone is held accountable under the law, it’s equally important to acknowledge Sood’s demonstrated commitment to social welfare. The legal proceedings should not overshadow the positive impact he has had on countless lives.
As citizens, how do we reconcile the complexities of an individual’s public image with their potential private shortcomings, and what role does the media play in shaping that perception?
