The Bombay High Court, in Criminal Bail Application No. 5166 of 2024, granted bail to accused in connection with crime registered at Khed Police Station, Pune, for offences under Sections 366, 376(B), 506 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, while delivering the order on 21 August 2025, noted several factors that weakened the prosecution’s case: the alleged incident occurred on 13 May 2024, but the FIR was lodged only on 21 May 2024 with no explanation for the 8-day delay; the victim’s statements under Section 164 CrPC lacked reference to resistance or alarm; the medical records did not show injuries consistent with forced sexual assault; and the testimony of a boy who was in the car did not corroborate the prosecution’s version.
In addition, the Court took into account the applicant’s medical condition, including a diagnosis of borderline hepatomegaly requiring specialist care unavailable in prison, as recorded in the Yerwada prison medical report.
Accordingly, the Court ordered his release on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with sureties, subject to conditions including non-contact with the victim, no tampering with evidence, regular trial attendance, and furnishing updated contact details to the Investigating Officer.
The co-accused in the case remains absconding.
Appearances:
Mr. Girish Kulkarni, Senior Advocate a/w. Mr. K.N. Pandey and Mr. Chaitanya Purankar, Advocate for the Applicant.
Mr. T.G. Khan, APP for the Respondent-State.
PSI Shrikant Gadage, Khed Police Station.
