Kasganj BJP worker, 4 others get bail in minor gang-rape case

Agra: A local BJP leader, Akhilesh Pratap Singh alias 'Gabbar', and four others accused of gangraping a minor girl was granted bail by a Pocso court.Pocso judge Pratibha Saxena, in a four-page order dated May 23, a copy of which became available on Saturday evening, imposed several conditions on the accused, including compliance with all legal procedures. He was also barred from leaving the country without court's permission, told to cooperate fully with the investigation and not attempt to influence witnesses.Judge Pratibha Saxena, in her order, remarked that the names of the five accused were not mentioned in the FIR, implying negligence by the police.The court highlighted that the FIR was registered two-and-a-half days after the incident. It also noted a statement by district coordinator of child helpline Saurabh (who goes by his first name), who said that "information about the incident was shared on April 11."Those granted bail, each on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh, are Amit, Akhilesh Verma alias Akhilesh Pratap Singh alias Gabbar, Sonu Singh, Rinku Singh and Sher Singh.The crime happened on April 10, when a 16-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by several men in Kasganj district while she was returning home with her 20-year-old male friend after submitting an application for a ration card and had stopped for a break under a tree near a canal.Following the incident, an FIR was lodged at Kasganj Kotwali police station against 10 individuals, including two named suspects, under sections 70(2) (gangrape), 308(5) (extortion), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and 303(2) (theft) of BNS, along with the Pocso Act.Fourteen people were subsequently arrested, with a chargesheet filed against them on April 23. TOI contacted Kasganj Police for an official response following bail being granted, but no reply was received.Akhilesh Pratap Singh alias 'Gabbar' is reported to be closely associated with two Kasganj MLAs and, according to sources, has been connected with the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh for the last 15 years, frequently seen with local BJP leaders.END