Saif Ali Khan
| Photo Credit: RAFIQ MAQBOOL
Bollywood actor Amrita Arora Ladak testified before a magistrate court on Saturday in the ongoing case against Saif Ali Khan, who was accused of assaulting NRI businessman Iqbal Sharma at a five-star hotel in 2012.
Arora, who was dining with Khan on the night of the incident, recounted that Sharma barged into their private enclosure and aggressively ordered them to “shut up and keep quiet.” She stated that Khan immediately stood up and apologised, but Sharma left in anger.
Shortly afterward, Khan went to the washroom, and moments later, raised voices were heard. Arora testified that Sharma re-entered the enclosure and hit Khan, prompting the group to intervene. She also alleged that Sharma continued hurling abuses and making threats.
The case dates back to February 22, 2012, when Khan, along with Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and friends, were dining at an upscale South Mumbai restaurant. Sharma, seated nearby, reportedly objected to their loud conversation, leading to an altercation. Sharma later claimed that Khan punched him, fracturing his nose, and also alleged that Khan and his friends assaulted his father-in-law, Raman Patel.
Khan has denied the allegations, stating that Sharma used abusive language toward the women in the group, which led to the confrontation. Khan, along with Shakeel Ladak and Bilal Amrohi, was arrested but later released on bail. They have been charge-sheeted under IPC Section 325 (assault).
The trial has seen delays, with key witnesses appearing after multiple summons. The court had issued a bailable warrant against Arora and her sister, Malaika Arora, for previous absences. The case continues.
Published – March 30, 2025 10:29 am IST
