Ranju Dodum
Itanagar, Feb 13: The Delhi High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to a man accused of rape, molestation, and criminal intimidation in Arunachal Pradesh, allowing him a three-week window to approach the appropriate court in the state for legal recourse.
The petitioner, son of a former Uttar Pradesh minister, had sought relief in connection with an FIR registered on January 29, at the Itanagar women police station.
The complainant alleged that the accused had developed a close relationship with her under the pretext of marriage and later committed sexual assault.
During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that WhatsApp conversations between him and the complainant suggested that their relationship was consensual. The defense also submitted a wedding card as evidence, asserting that the complainant was aware of the petitioner's impending marriage on February 12, in Khajuraho.
Justice Jasmeet Singh, while granting interim relief, noted that any observations on the case at this stage could prejudice the proceedings in Arunachal Pradesh. He ruled that the accused would receive transit anticipatory bail for three weeks, after which he must seek appropriate legal remedies in the concerned court.
The prosecution, represented by the Additional Public Prosecutor, accepted the notice on behalf of the state. The court clarified that the interim protection granted to the accused would automatically expire after three weeks.