Court grants bail to law student arrested for abusing a minor in Chennai Exp | Bombay News

MUMBAI: Underscoring the need for a balanced approach between the gravity of the crime and the fundamental rights of the accused, especially with regard to delay in trial and long imprisonment, a special court on Monday granted bail to a 23-year-old law student. from Chennai, arrested for allegedly abusing a minor girl on board the Chennai Express.

The accused, S Ragavendra, was arrested by the CSMT Railway Police on September 22, 2024, following the incident. Despite the prosecution’s objection, citing the seriousness of the crime and the student’s history of participating in similar acts, the court granted him bail.

The alleged offense took place in a packed coach of the CSMT-Chennai Express, where the minor claimed that Ragavendra behaved inappropriately. He was arrested on the spot and taken into police custody.

Appearing on behalf of Ragavendra, his lawyer, Rushikesh Bhagat, argued that the incident was a misunderstanding, with no evidence to support the prosecution’s allegations. Bhagat claimed that Ragavendra is a student with no criminal record and that the act, if it occurred, was not intentional as it can be rubbed out due to the packed coaches.

The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Pranjali Joshi, vehemently opposed the bail application. Joshi argued that the victim had provided a clear account of Ragavendra’s repeated inappropriate behavior during the trip.

The victim herself had filed a statement opposing bail, expressing fear for her safety and stressing the trauma caused by the incident.

Presiding over the case, Special Judge Dr JP Darekar determined that keeping Ragavendra in custody would do no good. However, the court took into account the concerns raised by the prosecution and the minor victim. In granting bail, the court recognized the need to balance the seriousness of the offense against the rights of the accused, particularly in light of the likely delay before the trial begins.