Home / Crime and Justice / Judge Grants Bail in Gang Rape Case Due to Lack of Proof
Judge Grants Bail in Gang Rape Case Due to Lack of Proof
17 Oct
Summary
- Accused granted bail due to insufficient evidence of involvement.
- Complainant's statement conflicted with court records.
- Judge noted no prima facie material for gang rape allegations.
In a significant development in South Goa, sessions judge Sharmila A Patil has granted bail to Dharmendra Kumar Prasad, who was arrested by Verna police in connection with an alleged gang rape case. The court's decision was based on the finding that there was insufficient prima facie material to establish Prasad's involvement in the alleged offense.
The complaint was filed by a woman on September 3, 2026, alleging deception between June 2024 and July 2026. She claimed Prasad had deceived her by concealing his marital status and marrying her in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024. She further alleged repeated sexual intercourse by deceit, leading to pregnancy, and subsequent assault and abuse.
However, during the bail hearing, the judge noted the complainant's reply to the court, stating she had no grievance and no objection to Prasad being granted bail. The court also referred to the woman's statement recorded before the judicial magistrate at Vasco. This statement reportedly mentioned only a sexual relationship with an individual named Arjun Ram and did not reference Prasad or any co-accused.
"In the absence of any prima facie material on record indicating gang rape or even sexual assault by the applicant, his continued custody is not required," the court stated while allowing the bail application. Prasad was released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹30,000 with a surety of the same amount, subject to stringent conditions.
