Doctor gets bail in alleged sexual assault of 17-year-old boy
Mumbai: Noting that the custodial interrogation was complete, a special POCSO court has granted bail to a West Bengal-based doctor accused of helping a Mumbai school teacher in the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old student.
While granting bail, Special Judge Sabina A Malik said that the doctor was not the main accused and her custody was no longer needed. The judge noted that all investigations involving the doctor were complete and that keeping her in jail would not serve any purpose, as the trial would take time to begin.
“There is nothing more to be recovered or discovered at the hands of this applicant. The trial will take time to commence, and in the meantime, nothing fruitful would be gained by keeping this applicant behind bars," said the Judge.
As per the HT media report, the doctor was arrested on July 18 and sent to judicial custody on July 23. She was accused of prescribing anti-anxiety pills to the student, which were allegedly misused by the teacher to control and sexually exploit him over a long period. However, the teacher has denied the allegations.
The bail was opposed by the prosecution and the minor survivor, who submitted in writing that he feared harm or pressure if the doctor was released. He said her release would cause him to live in "perpetual fear".
The court granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with sureties, along with strict conditions: the doctor cannot contact the survivor, tamper with evidence, or leave Mumbai without court permission. “Breach of any condition will amount to cancellation of bail forthwith,” the order stated.
Both the doctor and the teacher remain accused under serious charges, including sections of the POCSO Act, BNS, and the Juvenile Justice Act. The court has warned that any violation of bail terms by either party will lead to immediate cancellation of relief.
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