Mumbai, February 22, 2022 – Akash Ramesh Umap has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a rape case. Additional Sessions Judge Sanjashree J. Gharat (Court Room No. 39) issued the order on February 21, 2022.

Umap was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 1056 of 2021, registered at the Worli Police Station, for offenses under Sections 376 (rape) and 376(2)(N) (repeated rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The complainant alleged that she met Umap in November 2019, as he was the cousin of her friend. In May 2020, he called her to his house under the pretext that her friend was seriously ill. Upon arrival, she found her friend was not there. Umap then allegedly threatened and raped her. He later apologized and promised to marry her, and they continued their relationship. When the complainant became pregnant and requested marriage, Umap refused, leading her to file a complaint.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Anil Bansode, representing Umap, argued that the relationship was consensual, and they intended to marry. He claimed that the complainant’s family opposed the marriage, leading to the false case. He also presented an affidavit from the complainant stating that the complaint was filed due to “petty issues” and that she had no objection to Umap’s release.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Kalpana Hire, representing the State, opposed the bail, citing the ongoing investigation and the potential for Umap to tamper with evidence or threaten witnesses.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Gharat noted that the complainant and Umap had a love affair, and the complainant alleged that Umap promised to marry her. The court also considered the affidavit submitted by the complainant, which was signed by Umap, stating that the complaint was filed due to “petty issues” and that she had no objection to his release.

Considering the affidavit and the stated intention of the complainant and Umap to marry, the court granted bail.

Bail Conditions:

Umap was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 30,000 with one or more solvent sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Umap must visit the Worli Police Station once a week (every Monday between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) and maintain a diary of his visits until the conclusion of the trial.
• He must not leave Maharashtra without prior permission from the court.
• He must submit proof of his residential address, phone number, Aadhar Card, and Election Card, if any.
• He must not involve himself in any crime, failing which his bail may be cancelled.
• He must not tamper with prosecution evidence or witnesses.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence or threaten any person acquainted with the case.
• He must attend the case regularly on each and every date.
• He must not visit the place where prosecution witnesses reside or contact them.
• In case of a violation of bail conditions, the prosecution is at liberty to file an application for cancellation of bail.
• Provisional cash bail was allowed for eight weeks.

Order Details:

The order was dictated on February 21, 2022, and checked and signed on February 22, 2022. The certified copy was uploaded on February 22, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the complainant’s affidavit, the stated intention of the parties to marry, and the imposition of conditions to ensure Umap’s compliance with the legal process.