Pune: Kondhwa-Based Social Media Influencer Maulana Ordered to Pay Rs 1.16 Crore as Bail Condition in Cheating Case

Pune, 13th December 2024: Additional Sessions Judge A.S. Waghmare has granted anticipatory bail to popular social media influencer and Maulana (cleric) Abdul Rashid Kalandar Khan, also known as Miftahi, in connection with a Rs 1.16 crore cheating case. The case was registered at the Kondhwa police station under the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act.

The court’s order stipulates that Miftahi must deposit Rs 30 lakh before being released on bail and subsequently pay the remaining amount of Rs 1.16 crore within four months in equal installments. Miftahi is widely recognized for his “Miftahi” channel on social media, boasting 1.8 million followers.

The order, dated 11th December, emphasized that while courts cannot function as recovery agents, the MPID Act aims to protect the interests of depositors. The judge noted, “Mere conviction of the accused would not suffice the purpose of the Act. As per the pursis filed by the accused-applicant, he is ready to deposit Rs 20 lakh today and will pay the remaining amount within nine months. Considering the applicant’s readiness to deposit the money and to protect depositors’ interests, the accused can be granted pre-arrest protection on stringent conditions.”

Earlier, on 10th September, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Miftahi’s anticipatory bail plea in the same case involving Saad Motors. The complaint, registered at Kondhwa police station on 30th July, accuses Miftahi of fraud and cheating under sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, along with sections 3 and 5 of the MPID Act.
This is Miftahi’s second application for anticipatory bail, filed under Section 482 BNSS (438 Cr.P.C.), citing fear of arrest.

Apart from Miftahi (48), the case also names his younger brother Rafique Qalandar Khan (44), Sanobar alias Sauda Rafique Khan (40), and Isa Rafique Khan (23), all residents of Grace Residency in Bhagyodaya Nagar, Kondhwa Khurd. Advocate Ameya Sirsikar represented the victims in court.

The primary complainant, Nisar Babulal Shaikh (55), a resident of Chintamani Nagar in Hadapsar, accused Miftahi and others of defrauding victims by promising monthly returns of 2-3% through investments in a private luxury car business. Other complainants include Aniket Gaikwad, Hamid Babulal Sheikh, Julekha Sameer Sheikh, Azim Raju Bhai Mulani, Sandeep Badhe, Jahangir Pathan, Vishal Chavan, and Sameer Rajjak Sheikh.