Team Herald
PONDA: Ponda police are yet to nab the Mangueshi temple priest 51-year-old Dhanajay Bhave, following two alleged molestation cases against him filed by two US and Mumbai- based victims.
Ponda DySP Mahesh Gaonkar said, “Police visited his address and searched various places but failed to trace him.”
Meanwhile, sources informed that Bhave has filed a fresh anticipatory bail application in High Court, which will come up for hearing on Tuesday (August 7) at 10.30 am.
The cases against Bhave were registered at Ponda Police Station on July 19 and 22 and since then he has been absconding.
It may be recalled that Bhave had filed his first anticipatory bail plea in District Court immediately after first case and got interim relief.
Within couple of days, before the arguments could be heard, the second victim filed a molestation case against him.
Arguments into the cases were heard on July 27 and both pleas were rejected by District and Sessions Judge Bella Naik on August 4.
According to police, an offence under Section 354 of the IPC has been registered against him.
Police were expecting Bhave to surrender following the rejection of his two bail pleas. Police feel Bhave may move the High Court to challenge the District Court order.
