Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court has denied regular bail to a 68-year-old rector who was arrested allegedly for sexually exploiting a minor boy over a three-year period at a boys’ hostel in Palitana town of Bhavnagar district.
The case came to light in March after the 16-year-old inmate’s father filed a complaint against the rector. The police invoked provisions of BNS, the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act in this case. In his bail plea, the rector argued that he was falsely implicated, highlighting his advanced age, prolonged incarceration since April, and an alleged delay in filing the FIR. It was contended that the complaint was triggered by a WhatsApp message, and alleged a grudge linked to disciplinary action. No other student among the large hostel population had raised similar complaints, argued his lawyer.
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Justice H D Suthar said that the filing of a chargesheet does not lessen the gravity of the offence. He also stated that a chargesheet was filed in the case and there is no scope for evidence tampering. The prosecution opposed the bail plea and underscored the gravity of the offence. HC emphasised the risk of tampering with evidence and intimidating witnesses. The court has ordered a speedy trial in this case, as the prosecution informed HC that it would be taken up on a day-to-day basis. Download the TOI App.