Gaurang Doshi’s bail hearing deferred

Sessions Judge PV Bavakar on Tuesday postponed till March 2, the anticipatory bail hearing of filmmaker Gaurang Doshi, as the Versova police have sought time to file their reply.

Doshi had applied for bail anticipating arrest after his live-in girlfriend, Flora Saini, filed a complaint against him alleging physical and mental abuse. Saini has acted in at least two Hindi films as well as some South Indian movies. She has complained that Doshi induced her to live with him by making false promises of marriage.

In 2004, Doshi, then married, offered Saini a small role, an item number, in Dewar. Having already played lead roles, she refused. However, their friendship grew over a period of one year, until Saini learnt that Doshi was married. Soon thereafter, Doshi’s marriage collapsed, he shifted from his Peddar Road apartment to Yari Road and re-established his relationship with Saini.

In 2005, Doshi proposed marriage and asked Saini to move in with him. Saini alleged Doshi often physically abused her. On February 14, she finally decided to leave Doshi, as he assaulted her without provocation. He allegedly broke her jaw. To add insult to injury, Doshi allegedly tried to prevent her from leaving their flat. He allegedly tried to prevent her from leaving by beating her up on the road.

When contacted by DNA, Doshi pleaded preoccupation and promised to call back.