Shivangi Prakash-
Published on: August 23, 2021, at 10:35 IST
The Gauhati High Court granted bail to the prime accused in the IIT-Gauhati rape case on Monday, noting that the accused is a potential asset as a smart student studying a technical course.
The court further stated that if he is released on bail, he will not be able to tamper with the evidence.
Attorney KN Choudhury told Justice Ajit Borthakur’s single-judge bench that the accused is a talented 21-year-old B. Tech Pre-final year chemical engineering student.
Choudhury stated that the student has been in judicial detention for approximately 120 days in connection with the case, which is purely based on the allegation of rape without any valid evidence.
“On hearing the learned counsel for both sides with reference to the relevant documents such as F.I.R., medical report and statements under Sections 161 and 164 Cr.P.C., the contents of the charge-sheet, the Fact-Finding Committee Report, etc., there is a clear prima facie case as alleged against the accused petitioner,” the Court order said.
The accused was detained on March 28, 2021, for reportedly raping a student at the institute during a Holi celebration cultural event.
The event occurred on the institute’s campus on the day of Holi (March 28). The victim was brought to Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) for treatment after being admitted to the IIT-Gauhati hospital.
The institute released a statement on Saturday that called the incident “unfortunate,” but did not go into depth about the assault or the degree of the victim’s injuries. Doctors at the GMCH, on the other hand, believe it was most certainly a case of major sexual assault.
“The victim was brought to GMCH around 12:50 am on March 29. She was initially unconscious and in a state of shock after regaining her senses. She told doctors on duty that she had been sexually assaulted. We immediately followed protocol and carried out a test by a gynecologist as well as a forensic examination,” said a senior GMCH doctor on condition of anonymity.