Thane police record Sunny Leone’s statement in obscenity case

Mumbai: Actress Sunny Leone on Wednesday recorded her statement with the Thane police in connection with the FIR filed against her on May 15. Social activist Anjali Palan had complained against the former adult film star after she found pornographic pictures and videos of Sunny on the internet. Following the complaint, Thane police had registered an FIR under the IPC, Indecent Representation of Women’s Act and the IT Act. Ms Leone appeared before officers of Thane’s cyber crime cell.

DCP (crime) Parag Manere said, “Ms Leone appeared before us on Wednesday afternoon and her statement was recorded by the officers in connection with the case.” Mr Manere, however, refused to comment on what Sunny said in her statement, saying it will hamper the ongoing probe. She was accompanied by her lawyer and relatives, according to sources in the Thane police headquarters. Ms Palan had first complained to the Dombivali police who registered an FIR and then transferred the case to the Thane police’s cyber crime investigation cell.

While the exact nature of Sunny’s statement remains unclear, police sources said that the former porn star has maintained a stand that she has not acted in such films or videos after she moved to the country. “We need to ascertain if the websites on which the videos and photos posted are operated by the actress herself or run by someone else. Most likely, the sites have to be operated from abroad since online porn destinations have their servers based in foreign countries. There are several x-rated videos of Ms Leone still available on pornographic websites which were shot during her days as a porn star in the US and Canada. However, we don’t think she is engaging in any pornographic activities now,” said an officer from the Thane police.

The police also hinted at checking the actor’s computers and laptops to confirm if the videos originate from her. “If the websites are found to be based abroad, then prosecuting the accused would be very difficult since US and Indian cyber laws are very different. Moreover, pornography as commercial cinema is not banned in the US,” he added.