Bollywood actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood has found himself at the center of a legal controversy after a court in Ludhiana, Punjab, issued an arrest warrant against him. The case pertains to an alleged ₹10 lakh fraud involving a fake cryptocurrency scheme named 'Rijika coin'. The judicial action was taken after Sood failed to appear in court despite multiple summons.
Why Has Sonu Sood Been Issued an Arrest Warrant?
A judicial magistrate in Ludhiana, Ramanpreet Kaur, issued the warrant following a complaint filed by lawyer Rajesh Khanna. The case revolves around an alleged financial scam in which Khanna was reportedly deceived by Mohit Shukla, who convinced him to invest in the fraudulent 'Rijika coin' scheme with the promise of high returns.
Despite multiple summons from the court, Sonu Sood did not appear to provide testimony. Consequently, the court escalated the matter by directing the officer-in-charge of Oshiwara Police Station in Andheri West, Mumbai, to execute the arrest warrant against Sood. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 10, 2025.
Background of the Fraud Case
The legal dispute stems from allegations made by Rajesh Khanna, who claims that:
-
He was persuaded by Mohit Shukla to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme.
-
The scheme, named 'Rijika coin,' promised high returns on investment.
-
After investing ₹10 lakh, he realized he had been deceived.
-
The alleged fraud took place in Ludhiana, but it has gained attention in Mumbai due to Sood’s involvement.
While Sonu Sood’s exact connection to the case remains unclear, he was summoned as a witness. His repeated absence from court proceedings has hindered the investigation, leading the judiciary to take strict action.
Details of the Arrest Warrant
In its official order, the Ludhiana court directed law enforcement authorities in Mumbai to ensure the arrest of Sonu Sood. The order explicitly states:
-
The arrest must be executed by Oshiwara Police Station in Andheri West, Mumbai.
-
Sood has allegedly been evading service of the summons or warrants.
-
The arrested individual must be presented before the court.
-
The execution of the warrant must be reported by February 10, 2025, with details of whether it was carried out successfully or the reasons for its non-execution.
Sonu Sood’s Response and Recent Activities
As of now, Sonu Sood has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest warrant. However, amidst the legal turmoil, the actor recently met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Sood expressed his gratitude towards the CM for supporting the Sood Charity Foundation, an initiative aimed at providing healthcare and other welfare services across India.
On social media, Sood shared a series of photos with CM Naidu, highlighting their interaction. The timing of this public appearance has drawn attention, given the ongoing legal proceedings.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The issuance of an arrest warrant indicates that the judiciary is taking this case seriously. The possible outcomes of the upcoming hearing on February 10, 2025, include:
-
Sood’s Appearance in Court: If he complies with the summons, the court may reconsider the arrest warrant.
-
Non-Compliance: If he continues to avoid court proceedings, stricter legal action, including police intervention, may follow.
-
Clarification of Sood’s Role: His exact involvement in the fraudulent scheme remains a subject of speculation and will likely be clarified during court proceedings.
The legal battle involving Sonu Sood has sparked public interest due to his widespread reputation as a humanitarian figure. However, the judicial process will ultimately determine his role and responsibility in the case. Until then, all eyes remain on the February 10 hearing and whether the actor will respond to the court’s directive.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
