Kataka: Trouble has mounted for singer Sourin Bhatt, with the Kataka Mahila Police Station taking steps to execute a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against him.
The Police Station has sent an email to Ballygunge Police Station in Kolkata, forwarding the warrant and the court’s directions for its execution. The Kataka Mahila Police have asked the Ballygunge Police to arrest Bhatt and produce him before the court.
The development comes after the Orissa High Court recently lifted its stay on the NBW issued against Bhatt by the Cuttack SDJM Court. The High Court had expressed displeasure over his repeated failure to appear before the lower court.
The Kataka SDJM Court had issued the NBW against Bhatt on November 23, 2023. Bhatt subsequently approached the High Court challenging the warrant, following which the High Court had stayed its execution and directed him to surrender before the lower court.
During a subsequent hearing, his lawyer informed the High Court that Bhatt would surrender before the lower court by August 20. However, he failed to appear. Taking note of his non-compliance, the High Court withdrew the stay on the NBW and directed the lower court to take firm steps to secure his appearance.
The case stems from a complaint filed by a woman from Kataka, who alleged that Bhatt physically and mentally harassed her after promising to marry her and offering her an opportunity to pursue a career in singing.
According to the FIR, Bhatt allegedly took Rs 10 lakh from the woman and did not return the money. She initially lodged a complaint at Jagatpur police station, following which the case was transferred to the Mahila Police Station.
Police registered a case under Sections 294, 323, 341, 376, 417, 493 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.