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Mehul Choksi Lawyer Vijay Aggarwal Denied Bail in UK
Vijay Aggarwal is a lawyer who represented businessman Mehul Choksi.
He is accused of several serious crimes in the United Kingdom.
The allegations include touching a woman without consent and recruiting women for possible exploitation.
Aggarwal asked the court to release him while he waits for trial.
Justice John Milne refused to grant bail.
The judge was concerned that Aggarwal might leave the country and avoid the trial.
Aggarwal’s lawyer said he was respected, offered money and strict conditions, and had health problems.
His trial is scheduled for March 15, 2027, while his assistant Manpreet Kaur also faces charges.
Vijay Aggarwal, who represented Mehul Choksi, was denied bail at Southwark Crown Court.
Aggarwal faces 13 counts under the UK’s Serious Crime Act and Modern Slavery Act.
The allegations include non-consensual sexual touching and recruiting women for possible exploitation.
Justice John Milne cited the seriousness of the allegations and a risk that Aggarwal could leave the UK before trial.
His trial is scheduled for March 15, 2027; his assistant Manpreet Kaur also faces charges.
- Who
- Vijay Aggarwal, a Delhi-based criminal lawyer who represented Mehul Choksi; his assistant Manpreet Kaur is also charged.
- What
- Aggarwal was denied bail while facing 13 counts under the UK’s Serious Crime Act and Modern Slavery Act.
- Where
- Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom; the arrests occurred at a property on Brick Street in Mayfair.
- When
- The bail decision was reported on September 23; the alleged offences occurred on May 26 and August 9, and trial is scheduled for March 15, 2027.
- Why
- Justice John Milne cited the seriousness of the allegations and a significant risk that Aggarwal could leave the UK and fail to attend trial.
Defence
Prosecution and Court
Bail and risk
Defence
Aggarwal’s barrister proposed strict conditions, sureties and security worth £230,000, including a £130,000 pledge from his daughter.
Prosecution and Court
Justice Milne found a significant risk that Aggarwal would leave the country to avoid trial, while the Crown Prosecution Service opposed bail because of the allegations’ gravity and the strength of the evidence.
Character and health
Defence
The defence described Aggarwal as a highly respected lawyer of outstanding character and cited double-hernia and kidney problems as reasons supporting bail.
Prosecution and Court
The prosecution said his health issues were routine matters for the prison service to manage, and the judge accepted there was no significant risk of him committing further offences but still refused bail.
Alleged conduct
Defence
The defence position was presented through its request for bail and characterization of Aggarwal’s reputation; the article does not report a detailed response to each allegation.
Prosecution and Court
The judge described the alleged recruitment campaign as planned and sinister, saying it suggested Aggarwal was prepared to abuse his senior position for his own ends.
Key facts
- Defendant
- Vijay Aggarwal
- Related representation
- Aggarwal has represented Mehul Choksi in fraud and money-laundering proceedings.
- Charges
- 13 counts under the Serious Crime Act and Modern Slavery Act
- Allegations
- Non-consensual sexual touching and facilitating women’s travel with a view to exploitation
- Court decision
- Bail denied
- Judge
- Justice John Milne
- Trial date
- March 15, 2027
- Co-defendant
- Assistant Manpreet Kaur, who was previously refused bail
Quotes
Justice John Milne
Judge at Southwark Crown Court who ruled on Aggarwal’s bail application
“These are very serious allegations and there is a significant risk of (the accused) not attending at trial (if granted bail)”
theprint.in
“cannot accede to the request for bail”
theprint.in
Sources
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