Rape and Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against Mehul Choksi's Lawyer in London

Indian lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who has represented businessman Mehul Choksi in fraud and money-laundering proceedings, is facing additional charges in the United Kingdom, including rape, according to details presented in court on Friday. The 57-year-old advocate is being held in London following his arrest in August over alleged sexual offences. The latest developments emerged during court proceedings as prosecutors outlined further allegations in the ongoing investigation.

The Crown Prosecution Service also referred to a charge of arranging or facilitating another person's travel for the purpose of exploitation. Aggarwal's assistant, Manpreet Kaur, is facing a related charge in the case. Prosecutors have indicated that the investigation involves multiple complainants and could include other individuals. The allegations are being examined by British authorities, and the accused have not been convicted of the offences.

A third accused, Hara Tibrewala, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday in connection with a similar alleged offence. Tibrewala pleaded not guilty and was granted bail subject to strict conditions. Aggarwal, Kaur and Tibrewala are scheduled to appear before Southwark Crown Court on November 6 for a pre-trial hearing, according to the court proceedings.

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Aggarwal had previously been denied bail by a judge at Southwark Crown Court, with concerns raised about the possibility that he could leave the United Kingdom and avoid trial. During an earlier hearing, prosecutors described the investigation as complex and referred to allegations involving the recruitment of women through a purported personal assistant position. Aggarwal's barrister, Sasha Wass, defended his character and challenged the continued detention, arguing that he should receive the information necessary to prepare a bail application.

Aggarwal and Kaur were arrested on August 11 at a property in London's Mayfair district following reports of alleged sexual offences. Aggarwal faces four counts of sexual assault in addition to the newly reported rape allegation, while Kaur faces charges relating to allegedly assisting sexual assault. The women involved in the case have anonymity under UK law. The proceedings remain ongoing, with the next hearing expected to address preparations for the case as the investigation continues.

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