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Actress Sonali Bendre held,
released on bail

Film actress Sonali Bendre was Tuesday arrested, along with two others, for posing on the cover of a magazine in a dress which allegedly hurt the religious sentiments of some people.

Bendre was produced before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Usha Iyer, who released her and the other accused, on bail on a personal bond of Rs 12,000 with one surety each.

The other accused are dress designer Ashali Charles Rebello and photographer Amit Shanta Kumar Ashar.

The trio was charged under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class.

Bendre's picture on the cover page of Showtime magazine (March 16-31 1998 issue) showed her attired in a short kurta with bare legs. The ochre-coloured top worn by her also bore religious motifs.

Public Prosecutor Prema Ranade said the accused were arrested after the police last week received sanction from the state government to prosecute the actress and others.

Defence lawyers Ashok Shahani and Dharmendra Rohira moved bail applications on behalf of the accused, saying that the case was old and the three would make themselves available to the police when needed.

Ordering their release on bail, the magistrate noted that if the accused did not furnish personal bonds they would be remanded to judicial custody till April 9.

All the three accused executed personal bonds of Rs 12,000 and were let off by the court.

PTI

Our correspondent adds: Meanwhile, Bendre's secretary Jamshed allegedly manhandled Aaj Tak reporter Manish Dubey, who was trying to capture on camera Bendre coming out of court.

When Dubey sought permission to at least speak to Bendre's lawyers, he was prevented and allegedly threatened.

Jamshed could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

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