Bail Denied Due to Substantial Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
In a significant development, a court in Thane, Maharashtra, has rejected the bail application of Rameshchandra Shobnath Mishra, chairman of a prominent educational institute, accused of raping and sexually harassing a woman. Additional Sessions Judge Suryakant S. Shinde delivered the order on March 4, highlighting substantial evidence against the accused and noting that the investigation remains in its early stages. The order was made public on Saturday, March 9.
Accused Promised Job in Exchange for Money, Allegedly Exploited Victim Sexually
Rameshchandra Shobnath Mishra was arrested on January 30, 2024, following a complaint filed by the victim. According to the victim, she first met Mishra in 2013 through her sister-in-law while searching for a teaching position. Mishra reportedly demanded ₹7 lakh for securing her a teaching role, promising a monthly salary of ₹70,000 to ₹80,000.
The victim claims she managed to pay ₹6 lakh to Mishra. However, in 2015, Mishra allegedly demanded an additional ₹10 lakh, asserting it was necessary to confirm her employment. When the victim refused to meet this additional demand, Mishra reportedly coerced her into a sexual relationship, threatening severe consequences if she spoke out. According to the victim, Mishra sexually exploited her multiple times under the pretext of securing the job.
Defence Claims Personal Vendetta and Health Issues; Prosecution Cites Multiple Allegations
During the bail proceedings, Mishra's defence counsel argued that the allegations stemmed from personal grudges, claiming the victim lacked qualifications necessary for the job, specifically pointing to her absence of a postgraduate degree. Additionally, Mishra’s health was cited as a factor for bail, noting his diabetic condition and ongoing treatment.
In contrast, Additional Public Prosecutor Sanjay More opposed bail, stating that multiple women have made similar allegations against Mishra. The prosecution argued that further inquiry into these claims is essential to uncover the full extent of his actions.
Court Finds Prima Facie Evidence; Investigation Continues
Judge Shinde emphasized that the allegations presented, along with preliminary evidence, justified Mishra’s continued custody. The court cited several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita invoked against Mishra, including section 64(2)(m) (repeated rape on the same woman), section 68 (sexual intercourse by a person in authority), section 69 (sexual intercourse by deceitful means), section 75 (sexual harassment), section 79 (acts intended to insult modesty), section 351(2) (criminal conspiracy), and section 352 (intentional insult intended to provoke breach of peace).
Judge Shinde concluded, “Considering the nature of the offence and the ongoing status of the investigation, this court does not find it suitable at this stage to grant bail to the applicant.”
The investigation into this case remains ongoing as authorities continue to probe the allegations.
