A Delhi court has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against self-proclaimed godman Swami Omji Maharaj, a contestant in reality show Bigg Boss, in connection with a theft case lodged by his brother, saying despite repeated calls he failed to turn up in the court.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Satish Kumar Arora issued the arrest warrant, while directing Omji to appear in the court on the next date of hearing on December 3 and also forfeited his bail bond and surety bond.
“Despite repeated calls, the accused has failed to turn up. Perusal of the file reflects that vide order dated October 14, 2016, as the accused remained absent, NBWs were directed to be issued against the accused for November 8, 2016,” the CMM said.
The court noted that on November 8, an application seeking his exemption from appearance was allowed and the NBW was stayed with a direction to him to appear “positively” on the next date on November 21, yet he failed to comply with.
“On an application for restoration of surety preferred by Mukesh Jain for the accused, NBWs were stayed vide proceedings dated November 2, with directions to the accused to appear on November 8 again, but he was absent and his surety with counsel appeared and preferred an application seeking exemption from personal appearance which was allowed with cost and with directions to the accused to positively remain present for this day.
“In view of the above and seeing the conduct of the accused, his bail bond and surety bond are forfeited and NBWs are directed to be hereby issued against him with notice to his surety through DCP Crime for December 3,” it said.
In November 2008, an FIR was registered against Vinodanand Jha aka Swami Omji on a complaint by his younger brother Pramodh Jha, who accused him of breaking the lock of his bicycle shop in Lodhi Colony here along with three men and stealing 11 bicycles, expensive spare parts, sale deed of the house and important documents.
The self-proclaimed godman also faces charges under the Arms Act, Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act in other matters.
