Daijiworld Media Network - Colva

Colva, Oct 18: South Goa Sessions Judge Sharmila A Patil has granted bail to Dharmendra Kumar Prasad, arrested by Verna police in an alleged gang rape case, observing that there was no prima facie material on record to establish his involvement in the alleged offence.

The complaint, filed by a woman on September 3, 2026, alleged that she was deceived between June 2024 and July 2026 after being led to believe that the accused was unmarried. She claimed that he married her at a temple in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024, while concealing the fact that he was already married.

The woman further alleged that the accused had sexual relations with her on multiple occasions through deceit, resulting in pregnancy. She also accused him of physically assaulting her by slapping her and verbally abusing her.

While hearing the bail application, the judge noted that the woman had stated in her reply that she had no grievance and no objection to Prasad being granted bail.

The court observed that the complaint referred to one Arjun Ram and contained allegations of cheating, sexual exploitation, concealment of marital status, repeated coercion to undergo abortions, and mental and physical harassment.

Referring to the woman’s statement recorded before the judicial magistrate at Vasco, the judge noted that it referred only to her sexual relationship with Ram and made no mention of Prasad or the 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 observed while allowing the bail application.

Prasad was directed to be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 30,000 and a surety of an equal amount, subject to stringent conditions.