Rape case: Ex-Nagercoil MLA moves HC seeking bail

MADURAI: Former Nagercoil MLA Nanjil A Murugesan, who was arrested for raping a minor girl in Kanyakumari district, has moved the Madras high court seeking bail.
According to the prosecution, the girl was kidnapped by a man in the district. Police secured the girl and handed her over to a home following a complaint from her father. The girl had given a statement saying that Murugesan raped her with the help of her mother.
Based on a complaint from the district child protection officer, police had registered a case against the petitioner under several sections of the Pocso Act and arrested him on July 29.
The petitioner stated that he was a well-known political personality in the district and was known to the girl’s family. After the girl was kidnapped, he helped the family trace her. However, the girl made false allegations against him stating that he had sexually exploited her. Murugesan stated that the false case was foisted against him with a motive to spoil his political career.
He further stated that the special court for exclusive trial of cases under Pocso Act at Kanyakumari district had dismissed his bail application on August 6. Stating that he has several age-related ailments and would abide by any conditions imposed by the court, the petitioner moved the high court Madurai bench seeking bail.
The case is to be taken up for hearing on Friday.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)