A court in Ludhiana, Punjab, has issued an arrest warrant against Bollywood actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood for failing to appear in court regarding an alleged ₹10 lakh fraud case. The warrant was issued by Judicial Magistrate Ramanpreet Kaur after Sood did not respond to previous summonses.
The case was filed by Ludhiana-based lawyer Rajesh Khanna against an individual named Mohit Shukla. Khanna alleges that Shukla lured him into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency called Rijika coin, resulting in a loss of ₹10 lakh. Sood was summoned to testify in this case but failed to appear in court, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant.
The court’s order directs the Officer-In-Charge of Oshiwara Police Station in Andheri West, Mumbai, to arrest Sood and present him before the court. The order states: “Sonu Sood… has been duly served with summon(s) or warrant(s) but he/she has failed to attend… You are hereby ordered to arrest and bring the said Sonu Sood before the Court…” The court has set a return date for the warrant on or before February 10, 2025, with instructions to certify the manner of its execution or provide reasons for non-execution.
This is not the first time Sood has faced legal challenges. In September 2021, the Income Tax Department accused him and his associates of tax evasion amounting to over ₹20 crore. The department alleged that Sood’s charity foundation, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, collected donations totaling ₹18.94 crore from April 1, 2021, but had spent only ₹1.9 crore on relief work, with the remaining ₹17 crore lying unutilized. Additionally, the department claimed that Sood violated the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by raising ₹2.10 crore from foreign donors through a crowdfunding platform.
In response to these allegations, Sood stated that every rupee in his foundation was “awaiting its turn to be utilized to reach the needy.” He emphasized that he had encouraged brands to donate his endorsement fees to humanitarian causes and that he had been busy attending to guests (referring to the tax officials) during the investigation. He added, “You don’t always have to tell your side of the story. Time will.”
Sood’s philanthropic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic garnered widespread acclaim. He organized transportation for stranded migrant workers, provided medical assistance, and supported various humanitarian causes. However, his rising prominence also attracted scrutiny, leading to investigations into his financial dealings.
In March 2021, reports emerged of cybercriminals exploiting Sood’s name to defraud individuals. A 23-year-old from Bihar was arrested for impersonating an associate of Sood and duping a man from Telangana by promising assistance in the actor’s name. The fraudster had posted his contact number on social media, claiming to be part of Sood’s charity foundation, and collected money under the pretext of registration fees for financial aid.
The recent arrest warrant adds to the legal challenges faced by Sood. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 10, 2025, by which time the police are expected to execute the warrant and present Sood before the court. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these legal issues will impact Sood’s philanthropic activities and public image.
It’s important to note that while Sood has faced legal scrutiny, he has also been a target of fraudulent activities by others misusing his name. Authorities have warned the public to be cautious of scams involving individuals impersonating associates of Sood’s charity foundation. In one instance, cybercriminals created fake social media profiles and contact numbers, claiming to work for Sood’s foundation, and solicited money from unsuspecting individuals under the guise of assisting.
These incidents highlight the complex interplay between genuine philanthropic efforts and the potential for exploitation by malicious actors. While Sood’s charitable work has had a significant positive impact, it has also inadvertently provided opportunities for fraudsters to deceive the public.
As the legal proceedings continue, Sood’s supporters and the public at large will be closely monitoring the outcomes. The actor’s previous statements suggest that he believes time will reveal the truth behind the allegations against him. In the meantime, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures involved in charitable activities, including the need for transparency and the vigilance required to prevent misuse of their names and initiatives.
The upcoming court hearing on February 10, 2025, will be a critical juncture in this case, potentially providing more clarity on the allegations against Sood and his response to them. Until then, the situation underscores the importance of due process and the need to balance public perception with legal accountability.
In conclusion, the arrest warrant against Sonu Sood in the alleged ₹10 lakh fraud case marks a significant development in the legal challenges he faces. While his philanthropic efforts have been widely praised, these legal issues highlight the complexities and responsibilities that come with public service and charity work. As the case unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the proceedings to understand the full context and implications of the allegations against him.