Twinkle arrested for Akshay’s unbuttoning act; released later

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai, April 10: The moral policemen of India do not forgive those who challenge the conservative set-up of society. And Bollywood couple Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna is paying for their act - done in jest and haste, but now being condemned by the moral brigade. Little did the couple know that their publicity stunt at Lakme Fashion Week would blow out of proportion, resulting in the reported arrest of Twinkle Khanna.News has it that Twinkle Khanna, was taken into custody by Vakola police, in Mumbai after she surrendered in the presence of her lawyer Bhairav Choudhary. She was later released on a bail of Rs 950. Twinkle informed the police that Akshay, who is currently out of Mumbai, will present himself before the police on his return on Monday. Assistant commissioner of police (Vakola division) Arvind Mahabdi said: ‘‘it was a bailable offence and we released her on a bail of Rs 950 at the police station itself. We are now waiting for Akshay.’’ The duo and organisers of the fashion show have been booked under section 294 IPC (obscene act and songs), police said. Since it is a bailable offence, Twinkle was released by police immediately. Police said it would file a chargesheet in a court which will decide whether to frame charges against the accused or not. In case the charges are framed, they would face the trial, police said. Akshay was walking down the ramp at Lakme Fashion show last week when he suddenly stopped in front of his wife who was seated in the front row and asked her to unbutton his jeans. Anil Nair, city-based social activist, had registered a police complaint against Akshay, wife Twinkle and the organisers on obscenity charges. Akshay and Twinkle have been booked under Section 294 of IPC, whichsays that whoever does any obscene act or recites any obscene song in a public place shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or fine or both. This is not for the first time that actors or models have faced obscenity charges. In 1995, well known models Madhu Sapre and Milind Soman were booked when they posed semi-nude with a python wrapped around them for a shoe advertisement. The trial has not yet concluded. On May 18, 2006, a case was registered against Rakhi Sawant for her alleged obscene gestures and skimpy dress during her stage performance at Kolhapur for a well-known beer brand. Actor Mallika Sherawat also faced obscenity charges when she performed at a five star hotel on the New Year eve in 2006. A magistrate discharged her in the case saying allegations were not substantiated and the complainant has filed an appeal in sessions court against her discharge. A Madurai lawyer had recently moved a local court against actor Shilpa Shetty and Reema Sen for their semi-nude posters.