BailNow.in News Snacks

Indian Lawyer Vijay Aggarwal Denied Bail in London Rape and Sexual Assault Case

UK court cites risk of absconding and disturbing allegations of exploitation.

Trial set for March 2027; co-accused granted bail under strict conditions.

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 11, 2026

Indian lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, known for representing high-profile clients in India, has been denied bail in London after being charged with rape and sexual assault. A UK court ruled that he posed a flight risk and cited disturbing allegations of exploitation, with trial scheduled for March 2027.

Case Background

• Accused: Vijay Aggarwal, 57, a Delhi-based lawyer who previously represented fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi.
• Arrest: August 11, 2026, at a luxury property in Mayfair, London.
• Charges:
  • Rape and sexual assault.
  • Non-consensual sexual touching.
  • Facilitating travel of women for exploitation.
• Co-accused:
  • Manpreet Kaur (41): Aggarwal’s assistant, also in custody.
  • Hara Tibrewala: Pleaded not guilty, granted bail under strict conditions.

Court’s Observations

• Judge John Milne (Southwark Crown Court):
  • Described allegations as “deeply disturbing.”
  • Highlighted a “planned and sinister recruiting campaign” to lure women under the guise of personal assistant jobs.
  • Noted Aggarwal’s lack of community ties in the UK and risk of fleeing to India.
• Bail decision: Denied, citing seriousness of charges and potential witness intimidation.

Upcoming Proceedings

• Pre-trial hearing: November 6, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court.
• Trial date: March 15, 2027.
• Custody: Aggarwal remains at Wandsworth Prison in London.

Broader Implications

• Legal reputation: Case has drawn attention due to Aggarwal’s past role in defending high-profile financial crime suspects.
• International dimension: Highlights challenges of cross-border legal accountability when prominent figures face charges abroad.
• Public interest: Raises concerns about exploitation under the guise of employment opportunities.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Vijay Aggarwal?

A Delhi-based lawyer known for representing high-profile clients, including Mehul Choksi in fraud and money laundering cases.

Q2: Why was bail denied?

Because the court found him a flight risk, with no community ties in the UK, and cited disturbing allegations of exploitation.

Q3: What are the charges?

Rape, sexual assault, non-consensual sexual touching, and facilitating travel of women for exploitation.

Q4: Who else is accused?

His assistant Manpreet Kaur (also in custody) and Hara Tibrewala (granted bail under strict conditions).

Q5: When is the trial?

Scheduled for March 15, 2027, at Southwark Crown Court, London.