Man Denied Bail Over Exploitation & Viral Photos

The Bombay High Court has refused pre-arrest bail to a 26-year-old man accused of physically exploiting a 24-year-old woman. He allegedly promised her a film role but later circulated her objectionable photographs and videos on social media. Justice Shyam Chandak stated on Monday that the applicant had ill intentions from the beginning, misusing the victim's trust and ruining her life, thus establishing a prima facie case of rape. The man had moved the court fearing arrest by a Pune police station. An FIR details that the woman met the accused for an audition on May 12, 2024. He developed a physical relationship with her since October 2024, taking photos and videos for 'memory.' He concealed his marriage and child. After his wife discovered their relationship, they decided to stop meeting on January 25, 2026. The accused threatened to release the photos and videos on social media if she pursued other relationships. She later discovered on April 17, 2026, that he had made them viral. The man's lawyer argued the relationship was consensual and photos were deleted. However, Justice Chandak noted the suppression of marriage and child and the false pretext used to develop the physical relationship. He deemed custodial interrogation essential for collecting electronic evidence, stating that granting anticipatory bail would hinder the investigation.