The Ahmedabad Rural District Court has granted bail to 13 individuals, including six Kenyan nationals, in the high-profile Bopal farmhouse rave party case, where police had busted an illegal gathering involving liquor and hookah.
Additional Sessions Judge Namrata Unadkat granted bail to farmhouse owner Milan Patel, Kenyan national Kiptoo Jon, liquor suppliers Anant Kapil and Ashish Jadeja, and nine others.
The court observed that the investigation is largely complete, the accused have no prior criminal records, and the case—triable by a magistrate—is unlikely to conclude soon. The judge noted that considering the nature of the offence, the age and roles of the accused, and the stage of the trial, prolonged detention would be unjust.
The accused were granted bail on strict conditions, including submission of their permanent addresses and contact details, and a restriction on leaving the country without court permission.
Prosecution’s argument
The prosecution opposed bail, stating that a large quantity of prohibited liquor was seized and that some accused remain absconding. The prosecutor argued that releasing the accused could risk them fleeing, tampering with evidence, or repeating similar offences.
Defence’s response
Defence lawyers argued there is no direct evidence linking the accused to the alleged offences. They maintained that the investigation no longer requires their custody, the accused have clean records, and they are willing to comply with all bail terms.
The raid
Bopal Police had raided Zephyr Stays farmhouse during an event titled “Afro Dance Night Hot Grabber Party”, held without proper permissions. Police recovered 29 sealed liquor bottles, 22 beer tins, six half-consumed liquor bottles, 13 hookah pipes, and 62 printed entry passes.
An FIR was registered at Bopal Police Station under relevant sections of the Gujarat Prohibition Act and other laws. A total of 20 people, including 13 foreign nationals, were initially arrested in the case.