In a significant development in the Lokhandwala firing incident, a magistrate court in Andheri, Mumbai, has granted bail to actor Kamaal R Khan on Friday. Khan was arrested last week in connection with a case where two bullets were fired at a residential building in the Lokhandwala area of Andheri, sparking concerns over public safety.
Charges and Arrest Details
Kamaal R Khan faced serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempted culpable homicide and committing an act endangering the personal safety of others. Additionally, sections of the Arms Act were invoked against him. The arrest followed a complaint filed earlier this month by writer-director Neeraj Kumar Mishra and model Prateek Baid, residents of the Nalanda building in Andheri.
Defense Arguments for Bail
During the bail hearing, Khan's lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, presented compelling arguments that swayed the court's decision. The defense emphasized that the police failed to inform Khan of the specific grounds for his arrest, as mandated by law. This procedural lapse was a key point in the bail plea.
Furthermore, the lawyer highlighted the absence of any established motive for the alleged firing incident. She stated that there was no prior enmity between Khan and the residents involved, undermining the prosecution's case. The defense also pointed out that Khan holds a valid firearm license, but the weapon's effective range is only 20 metres.
Investigation and Evidence
The police investigation into the Lokhandwala firing case involved meticulous efforts. After receiving the complaint on January 18, authorities recovered bullets from the flats and used a drone to study the possible trajectory. This led them to check registered weapon owners in the vicinity, ultimately identifying Khan as a suspect.
However, Khan's defense countered this by noting the significant distance involved. The residence from where the bullets could have been fired is over 1,500 metres away from the Nalanda building, far exceeding the 20-metre range of Khan's licensed firearm. This discrepancy raised doubts about his involvement in the incident.
Court's Decision and Future Proceedings
The Andheri court's decision to grant bail to Kamaal R Khan comes after considering these defense arguments. While the detailed order outlining the reasons for the bail grant is yet to be made available, the court's move indicates a careful evaluation of the evidence presented.
This case has drawn attention not only due to Khan's celebrity status but also because of its implications for legal procedures and public safety in Mumbai. The Lokhandwala firing incident has highlighted the challenges in investigating such cases, especially when technical evidence like firearm ranges is involved.
As the legal process continues, stakeholders await further developments. The bail grant allows Khan temporary relief, but the charges remain pending, and the investigation may proceed with additional scrutiny. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal protocols in arrest procedures and establishing clear motives in criminal allegations.
