Mumbai, March 16, 2024 – Rahul Satyanarayan Rathi, a resident of Delhi, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a rape case. Additional Sessions Judge N.S. Shaikh (Court Room No. 39) issued the order on March 15, 2024.

Rathi was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 14/2024, registered at the Colaba Police Station, for offenses under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The complainant, a resident of Ghaziabad, alleged that she was raped by Rathi in a Mumbai hotel on January 19, 2024. She claimed that she, her boyfriend, and Rathi had traveled to Mumbai together. While her boyfriend was out of the hotel room, Rathi allegedly switched off the lights, removed their clothes, and raped her. She resisted and injured her hand by breaking a glass bottle.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Sunil Pandey, representing Rathi, argued that he was falsely implicated and that the complainant was blackmailing and extorting money from him. He presented a complaint filed by Rathi’s wife at the Colaba Police Station, alleging that the complainant and her boyfriend had extorted Rs. 22,000 from Rathi by threatening to falsely implicate him. He also claimed that the complainant and Rathi had a financial dispute.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Jyotsna Gawli, representing the State, submitted that the investigation was completed, CCTV footage from the hotel had been seized, hotel staff had been interrogated, and the victim’s medical examination had been conducted. However, the Investigating Officer indicated that a “B” Summary (indicating lack of evidence) would be filed in the case.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Shaikh reviewed the remand report, the complaint filed by Rathi’s wife, and the bank statements related to transactions between Rathi and the complainant. The court noted that Rathi had been in judicial custody since January 29, 2024, and that the investigation was completed. The court also observed that no incriminating evidence had been found against Rathi.

The court concluded that Rathi was entitled to be released on bail.

Bail Conditions:

Rathi was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 15,000 with one or more solvent sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Rathi must submit proof of his residence, Aadhar Card, and Election card (if any).
• He must not involve himself in any crime.
• He must not tamper with the prosecution’s evidence.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the facts of the case.
• He must attend all trial dates.
• Breach of any condition will result in the cancellation of his bail.

Order Details:

The order was typed on March 15, 2024, and checked and signed on March 16, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on March 16, 2024, at 2:03 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the completion of the investigation, the lack of incriminating evidence, and the imposition of conditions to ensure Rathi’s cooperation and prevent potential interference with the legal process.