Los Angeles, Jan 7 : Indian-born fashion designer Anand Jon may still hope that he will be exonerated from rape charges, with San Francisco Consul General Susmita G Thomas now taking personal interest in his case.

Thomas and her husband visited South California on January 3 to discuss Jon's case, reports IndiaPost. com.

She met with community members at the residence of Dr Krishna Reddy, where Aravinda K. Shetty DDS, Former film Star Madhu Kapoor, Dr Mrs Jay Shah and Yoga guru Bikram Chaudhry were also present.

Lauren, a fashion model, was also present at the event. Jon''s accusers tried all that they could to make Lauren join them in their conspiracy against Anand.

Lauren said the girls asked her to lie, and that she would become famous and rich if she testified against Jon.

Dr Krishna Reddy expressed his gratitude to Thomas for her interest in the case.

Jon's sister Sanjana updated the guests on the states of the case. She also spoke on how her brother had been set up and the contradictions in the prosecution''s case.

Thomas, in brief, spoke on what she and the consulate were doing in the matter. (ANI)