Pune: The Supreme Court has denied anticipatory bail to TikTok influencer Maulana Abdul Rashid, also known as Miftahi Qalandar Khan, who is accused of defrauding investors in Pune under the pretense of offering high returns on car dealership investments through a business called Saad Motors.
Rashid, who has a strong following on social media, allegedly used his influence to attract investors from the Muslim community, promising returns of 2-3% per month on investments.
The case was filed at the Kondhwa Police Station by Pune resident Nisar Babulal Sheikh, who accused Rashid and others of convincing nine individuals to invest a collective ₹1.16 crore.
Allegations state that Rashid, alongside his associates Rafique Qalandar Khan, Sanobar aka Sauda Rafique Khan, and Isa Rafique Khan, crafted a scheme to draw investors with lucrative returns but instead misappropriated the funds.
After the case was filed, Rashid sought anticipatory bail in the Sessions Court, which was rejected. Following that, he appealed to the Bombay High Court and then to the Supreme Court.
His appeal was argued against by Advocate Ameya Sirsikar, representing the investors, who stated that Rashid’s substantial following on social media enabled him to exploit his position of influence.
The counsel argued that the funds, amounting to ₹21 lakh, were transferred to Rashid and his family’s accounts, a point that resonated with the Supreme Court, leading to the rejection of Rashid’s bail application.
