The Andheri (Bombay) metropolitan magistrate’s court convicted actress Koena Mitra in a cheque-bouncing case and sentenced her to six months’ simple imprisonment a few days back. She was also asked to pay Rs. 4.64 lakh which comprised principal (Rs. 3 lakh) and interest (of Rs. 1.64 lakh) to the complainant, model Poonam Sethi.
Poonam had filed a case against Koena in 2013 after Koena’s cheque bounced for “want of funds”. According to Poonam, Koena Mitra borrowed Rs. 22 lakh from her over a period of time. In repayment of the same, Koena gave Poonam a cheque for Rs. 3 lakh which was dishonoured by the bank. After following the due process, Poonam filed a complaint in the magistrate’s court on 10th October, 2013. In her defence, Koena told the court that Poonam did not have the financial capacity to lend her Rs. 22 lakh, and that she (Poonam) had stolen her (Koena) cheques. The court did not accept any contention of Koena Mitra who is likely to appeal to the higher court.