PANJIM: Children’s Court on Friday granted conditional bail to suspended swimming coach Surijit Ganguly, charged with raping a national junior champion. A swimming champion himself, Ganguly will walk out of the jail after more than two and half months of his arrest.
This was Ganguly’s second bail application after the Mapusa police filed a charge-sheet against him before this court earlier this month. His earlier bail plea was rejected on October 4 on ground that investigation was at preliminary stage and offence under Section 8(2) of Goa Children’s Act was seen made out based on the complaint filed by the father of the 16-year-old victim as well her own statement.
During the hearing of the fresh bail, the defence contended that the investigation is completed and therefore the accused, who has already lost his job owing to the First Information Report (FIR), be released on bail with conditions. The advocate also cited judgments wherein bail was granted to persons charged with similar offence after the filing of the charge-sheet.
The court presided over by President Vijaya Ambre observed that Ganguly’s further custody was not required and that he has volunteered to abide by terms and conditions.
“Now the charge-sheet is filed before this court. Arguments before charge are yet to be heard. Victim is a resident of (state) and not residing in Goa at present. Therefore conditions can be imposed on accused not to interfere with the victim and not to visit (native State of victim) at the place where she resides,” she observed.
The court also opined that the allegation made by the victim (described in the order copy) and the investigating officer has filed charge-sheet for offense under section 354 and 376(3) of Indian Penal Code without demonstrating how section 376(3) is applicable to this case.
“That apart, arguments before charge will be heard on merits. At this stage, custody of accused is not warranted when he is ready and willing to abide by all the terms and conditions and the accused can be released on bail with stringent conditions,” the President ordered while releasing Ganguly on bail on execution of personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with one solvent and local surety of like amount.
He has also been directed to not interfere or tamper with evidence nor threaten or induce or coerce with prosecution witnesses including the minor victim and her father.
