Surrender, SC tells rape accused

The Supreme Court last week directed businessman Khurshid Siddiqui (30), resident of Diamond Estate, Santacruz, who is charged with the rape of fashion designer and aspiring model Sakina Shaikh

The Supreme Court last week directed businessman Khurshid Siddiqui (30), resident of Diamond Estate, Santacruz, who is charged with the rape of fashion designer and aspiring model Sakina Shaikh (26, Name changed to protect identity) to cooperate with ongoing investigations and, after surrendering before the trial court, apply for bail.

Shaikh had approached the apex court to cancel Siddiqui's bail on the grounds that he was threatening her, and her family, tampering with evidence and intimidating witnesses, thereby hampering the progress of investigations.

Rizwan Merchant, Shaikh's advocate told Mid-Day, 'Siddiqui has not been cooperating with the police investigations. He also threatened the complainant, after he was granted anticipatory bail by the trial court.'

Siddiqui and Shaikh reportedly met in 2006 at a party at JW Marriott and subsequently became close. Shaikh in her compliant, registered with the Versova police station in June 2008, alleged that Siddiqui had raped her at her residence. According to the complaint, the raped had followed a heated exchange of words between the two caused by Siddiqui's refusal to marry her despite repeated promises over the last three years. The Versova police had registered a case of rape, intimidation and assault against Siddiqui, his mother and sister in July 2008.

Siddqui remained absconding for several days after the complaint was filed. His subsequent application for anticipatory bail with the City Civil and Sessions Court, Kalaghoda, was rejected. Siddiqui then moved the Bombay High Court, where he was granted bail, but restrained from entering the area under the jurisdiction of the Versova Police Station.