In his bail application Aryan had stated that he was “innocent” and “falsely implicated in the present crime”, and concluded with an assurance of not tampering the investigation or absconding. While the NCB, in its reply to the bail plea, alleged that material collated during investigation revealed the accused No 1 (Aryan Khan) has a role in illicit procurement and distribution of contraband. The NCB stated that Aryan procured contraband from Accused No. 2 (Arbaaz Merchant), from whom 6 grams of Charas was recovered. The investigating agency also stated that Aryan Khan was in touch with people who appear to be a part of an international drug network.
Aryan Khan is being kept in a special barrack and is closely monitored by the officials. On October 11, Shah Rukh Khan had sent Rs 4,500 through money order to the prison for his son’s canteen expenses. Last week, Aryan Khan had got an opportunity to speak to Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan for the first time in 12 days. He was allowed a video call with his parents, a facility that was introduced by jail authorities during the pandemic last year for inmates to communicate with their families and lawyers. “Aryan gave his mother’s number. He spoke to his mother and father through the video call facility for 10 minutes,” a senior jail official confirmed to TOI.
Commentong on Aryan Khan’s bail plea decision, senior lawyer Hitesh Jain told ETimes, It is unfortunate that Aryan Khan’s bail plea has been rejected. The offences registered against him are those concerning consumption and that too of small quantities. There have been instances in the past where bail has been granted in matters related to similar offences. Although the NDPS Act states that all offences are non-bailable, offences concerning consumption of small quantities are only punishable for a maximum period of one year. Therefore, the Learned Sessions Judge ought to have respected the Legislative mandate of not imprisoning such persons.”
