Kataka: The Kataka Mahila Police have initiated steps to execute a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against singer Sourin Bhatt after the Orissa High Court recently lifted its stay on the warrant issued by the Cuttack SDJM Court.
The Mahila Police Station has emailed the Ballygunge Police Station in Kolkata, forwarding the NBW and relevant court directions, and requested the Kolkata Police to arrest Bhatt and produce him before the court.
The development followed the High Court’s displeasure over Bhatt’s repeated failure to appear before the lower court. The Cuttack SDJM Court had issued the NBW on November 23, 2023.
Bhatt had subsequently moved the High Court challenging the warrant, following which its execution was stayed and he was directed to surrender before the lower court.
During a subsequent hearing, his counsel informed the High Court that Bhatt would surrender before the lower court by August 20. However, he failed to do so.
Taking note of the non-compliance, the High Court vacated the stay on the NBW and directed the lower court to take steps to secure his appearance.
The case relates to a complaint filed by a woman from Kataka, who alleged that Bhatt physically and mentally harassed her after allegedly promising to marry her and offering to help her pursue a career in singing.
According to the FIR, Bhatt allegedly took Rs 10 lakh from the woman and failed to return the money. She had initially lodged a complaint at Jagatpur police station, after which the case was transferred to the Mahila Police Station.
Police registered the case under Sections 294, 323, 341, 376, 417, 493 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
