In a theatrical turn of events, actor-model Amrita Arora on Saturday appeared before a metropolitan magistrate in a case that has kept Mumbai buzzing since 2012. The case centers around popular actor Saif Ali Khan, who faces charges of allegedly assaulting a South African businessman, Iqbal Mir Sharma, at the notable Hotel Taj Mahal Palace. The incident, which happened on February 22, 2012, purportedly began when Sharma objected to the loud conversation of Khan and his entourage, leading to a confrontation where Khan allegedly punched Sharma, fracturing his nose.
Saif Ali Khan was in the company of his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, her sister Karisma Kapoor, and actors Malaika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora, along with some friends during the incident. The businessman further accused Khan and his group of assaulting his father-in-law as well. In response to the altercation, police booked Khan, along with Shakeel Ladakh and Bilal Amrohi, under charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt and common intention.
Arora, addressing the court, recounted that tension flared while they were dining at the Wasabi restaurant. Amrita Arora mentioned that a stranger forcefully entered their space, demanding silence. According to her testimony, Khan had initially attempted to diffuse the situation by apologizing to Sharma. Events escalated when Khan visited the washroom; upon hearing screams, the group found Khan involved in a physical altercation with Sharma. Notably, Arora described the shock they felt witnessing Khan’s torn shirt amidst the chaos.
Adding to the narrative, Amrita Arora testified that the businessman had used offensive language towards them. The distressing confrontation prompted them to settle their bill hurriedly and vacate the premises. The court, having recorded her initial statement, plans to further scrutinize her account, with the defense yet to cross-examine her testimony on April 7.
This legal drama first gained momentum in June of last year when the trial officially commenced, though the charges against Khan and his companions were originally filed in 2014. As the court continues to untangle the tumultuous sequence of events, the implications for Saif Ali Khan remain uncertain. Should the charges hold, the consequences might extend beyond personal repercussion, potentially affecting Khan’s professional engagements and social standing.
