Jon's sister Sanjana and mother Shashi Abraham had visited India in January this year and organised a demonstration outside the Gateway of India in Mumbai to plead for their brother's innocence.
The group organised a candle-light vigil, held up placards and banners, and spoke to the media regarding Jon's imprisonment.
Anand's family alleges that racial bias has influenced the investigation, and they also claim numerous instances of prosecutorial misconduct.
Both his sister and mother told rediff.com that Jon was a victim of an elaborate conspiracy started by disgruntled models and spread through cyberspace.
Members of the fashion fraternity -- including fashion designers Rohit Bal and Shaina N C -- were there to pledge support for Jon
"If our country won't take care of us, who will?" appealed Sanjana.
Bal told rediff.com, "Everyone in the Indian fashion industry is shocked.This is a member of our fraternity, and he is suffering unfairly... I don't know him personally, but I do know him well enough to know he is not capable of this. He's a kind and gentle man... And I believe that through the strength of the media and the solidarity of the Indian people, we can help give Jon the justice he deserves. Because, what's happening right now, is like some kind of joke or an evil conspiracy."
Image: Jon's sister Sanjana and mother Shashi Abraham hold a demonstration for him at the Gateway of India.
Photograph: Satish Bodas
Also read: Family, friends rally for Jon in Mumbai
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