Rape accused weds survivor, granted bail
Cuttack: The Orissa high court has granted bail to a rape accused in view of the submission that he and the victim, who is a major now, have got married.
A single-judge bench of justice B P Routray heard the bail application filed by the accused in connection with cases registered against him under the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, on video on Friday. The petitioner was initially taken in custody after his arrest on February 13 in connection with a special POCSO court registered at Handapa police station and consequently pending in the special POCSO court in Angul.
On June 2, another single-judge bench had ordered the release of the petitioner on interim bail for 30 days after his counsel submitted that the victim was a major by age and both of them were ready to marry each other.
On Friday, the petitioner’s counsel filed on his behalf an affidavit that stated that during the period of his interim bail he had married the woman and she is now residing as the wife of the petitioner in his house.
Considering the affidavit, justice Routray directed the release of the petitioner on bail in the case on terms and conditions fixed by the trial court. The petitioner — Gyanaranjan Behera — who was on interim bail had surrendered and was in custody since July 6, the affidavit said.