Delhi Court Summons Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin in Assault Case Filed by Son Samir Modi
A Delhi court has issued summonses to industrialist Bina Modi and senior advocate Lalit Bhasin in an assault case filed by her son and Godfrey Phillips India (GPI) executive director Samir Modi. The court observed that there is sufficient prima facie material to proceed against them, marking a significant development in the legal dispute.
Background of the Assault Allegations
Samir Modi lodged a complaint at Delhi's Sarita Vihar police station in 2024, alleging that Bina Modi's personal security officer, Surendra Prasad, physically assaulted him. The incident occurred on May 30, when Prasad allegedly prevented Samir from entering a board meeting at GPI's Jasola office. According to the prosecution, the attack resulted in a fractured right index finger, described as so severe that the finger was broken into two parts and required surgical intervention with a screw and wire to be put together.
Legal Proceedings and Chargesheet
In 2025, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet naming Prasad under CrPC sections 325 (punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint). However, the police submitted that there was insufficient material to proceed against Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin. In response, Samir Modi filed a protest petition seeking cognisance against them as well, alleging that Prasad acted on Bina's instructions and that both Bina and Bhasin insisted on proceeding with the meeting despite his injury.
Court's Observations and Ruling
Judicial magistrate Aneeza Bishnoi noted that while the evidence against Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin was circumstantial, it formed a prima facie chain suggesting their involvement. The court held that the investigating officer could not exonerate them based solely on Prasad's statement. Key evidence included the medico-legal certificate and CCTV footage, which showed an altercation took place. The court emphasized that a detailed evaluation of evidence is not required at this stage, but the material indicates a meeting of minds among the accused.
Commenting on Prasad's conduct, Magistrate Bishnoi stated that even if Samir Modi was not invited to the meeting, causing grievous injury would be unlawful. The court also took note of Prasad's changing statements regarding whether he stopped only Samir from attending, pointing out that the submitted footage showed only Samir being barred, contrary to claims that others were also prevented.
Summons and Next Steps
The court has summoned Bina Modi, Lalit Bhasin, and Surendra Prasad to appear on May 7. This decision underscores the court's view that there is enough prima facie evidence to warrant further legal proceedings against all three individuals involved in the case.
