HC grants bail to ex-model Vihari Sheth in smuggling case

The Bombay High Court today granted bail to former model Vihari Sheth, the managing director of Singapore-based Vihari Jewels, arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle in jewellery worth Rs 2.35 crore through the Mumbai airport.
Justice U V Bakre granted bail to Vihari after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence stated that it did not require her further custody.
She will have to produce a surety for Rs five lakh, and cannot leave the city without the court's permission.
Vihari, the daughter of Rajesh Sheth who owns Vihari Jewels and the wife of businessman Abhishek Poddar, was arrested on August 2 by the DRI for allegedly trying to smuggle in diamond-studded gold jewellery in her inner wear.

Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials intercepted Vihari at the Mumbai international airport after she landed from Singapore. She walked through the green channel, indicating she was not carrying any dutiable goods, and during questioning also denied carrying any contraband. DRI officials frisked her and found the jewellery.
Officials suspect that she might have have smuggled contraband at least on six occasions in the past.
The sessions court had refused her bail, following which she approached the High Court.