SP spokesperson gets bail in rape, SC/ST Act case

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Manoj Yadav, 45, was on Saturday granted bail by a Barabanki court in connection with a case of rape and an offence under the SC/ST Act registered at Safdarganj police station in the district.A woman had accused Manoj of harassment, assault and rape stemming from an old enmity dating back to 2004, when her husband had filed a case against Yadav.
She alleged that about three months ago, Manoj intercepted her at Safdarganj crossing, hurled caste-based slurs and threatened her. She also alleged inappropriate physical contact, which led to rape charge against him.The order was passed by special judge (SC/ST Act) Nitish Kumar Rai on a bail application filed by Manoj Yadav, who was in judicial custody since Feb.Appearing on behalf of Manoj Yadav, Sant Sharan Yadav argued that he was falsely implicated due to political rivalry, claiming inconsistencies in the FIR, including the absence of the date and time of the alleged incident and a delay of several months in lodging of the complaint. He also contended that there were no independent witnesses and that the accused had no criminal history, as he was acquitted in a previous case.The court noted contradictions in the statements of the complainant and observed that key aspects of the allegations would be tested during trial. Without commenting on the merits of the case, the court allowed the bail plea.The accused was granted bail on furnishing a personal bond and two sureties of Rs 75,000 each, subject to conditions including cooperation in investigation, non-interference with evidence, no intimidation of witnesses, and mandatory appearance before the court on scheduled dates.