Chrisann Pereira released from Sharjah prison, likely to be back in India in next 48 hours

Another victim, Clayton Rodrigues, also believed to have been framed by the same accused in a narcotics case and lodged in Sharjah prison since February, continues to be continues to remain there.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Pereira’s mother Premila said, “It is a miracle. We are so happy and relieved that my daughter has finally been released. We are hoping she will be in India in the next 48 hours.”

When asked how she was released, Premila said, “We have no clue. When we spoke to her earlier in the day, she said that she was called to take her clothes (in which she was brought to the prison). A few hours later she called saying that she has been freed. We are not sure whose intervention led to this but we are thankful to everybody who supported us. I cannot wait to see my girl.”

In a clip of the video call made by Pereira, Premila is seen telling her daughter, “Chrisann you are in the sun? You are free”, and jumping around in joy.

A teary-eyed Pereira is seen nodding when her brother Kevin tells her that her release would help others who are lodged in the prison on wrongful charges.

Pereira was in a Sharjah prison since April 1 after Borivali-based bakery owner Anthony Paul (35) allegedly framed her in a drugs case. Paul made his friend Rajesh Borate to pose as talent manager Ravi and approached the actor who has previously worked in films Sadak 2 and Batla House.

Ravi allegedly told Pereira to attend an audition for an international web series in Sharjah for which tickets and hotels were booked. On April 1, when she was to leave for Sharjah, Ravi handed her a memento with drugs hidden in it. The accused then tipped off the Sharjah police who arrested the actor.

A probe by Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that Paul was allegedly upset with Pereira’s mother over a fight they had during Covid and planned this as revenge. Apart from Pereira, he also tried this on four others, one of whom – Clayton Rodrigues, – is still lodged in Sharjah Prison.