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Cousin who raped, shared nude photos of minor granted bail by Bombay High Court

The state government objected to the accused getting bail, but the court refused to grant a stay on its order.

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The Bombay high court has granted bail to a youth who was booked for having raped his minor cousin and circulating her nude photographs among a group of boys in 2014.

While hearing the bail plea of Bharat Goregaonkar, who hails from Goregaon in Raigad district, Justice AR Joshi observed that 'reasonable doubt can be entertained as to the application of rape charge'.

On April 25, 2014, the 17-year-old girl had lodged a complaint against Goregaonkar, alleging that he circulated her nude photographs on WhatsApp to a certain group called 'Om Foundation', members who stayed in the same locality.

She alleged that Goregaonkar had taken her pictures of her naked after threatening and asking her to keep quiet, else he would 'expose them in public'.

The 17-year-old lodged another complaint after 2-3 days alleging that she had received threats from political parties not to pursue the case. However, after a week, the girl filed another case alleging that she had been raped by the accused.

Subsequently, the youth was arrested. He was in custody for more than a year, till he was granted bail.

The HC observed that the allegation of rape surfaced some days after the complaint of circulating nude photographs was filed. Hence, doubts had been created whether the charge could be applied in this case.
The HC granted bail to Goregaonkar subject to him furnishing a personal bond of Rs25,000. He has been asked to report at Mangaon police station every Sunday, and has been restrained from influencing any witness or tampering with evidence.

In case of contravention of these conditions, his bail would stand cancelled, the court warned.

The judge also asked the accused not to reside in the territory of Goregoan village of Mangaon taluka in Raigad district.

The state government objected to the accused getting bail, but the court refused to grant a stay on its order.

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