Prashant Ashok Sul v. the State of Maharashtra and Others
Case brief
What is this about?
Bail REFUSED (single judge, Aurangabad Bench, 09.04.2026) for Prashant Ashok Sul in Crime No. 2 of 2026, Renapur Police Station, Latur — offences under Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Ss. 351(2), 351(3), 3(5), POCSO Act Ss. 4, 8, 12, 17 and Information Technology Act S. 67B; alleged sexual assault on minor neighbour forced into a well, followed by threats, with a co-accused videographing the act and circulating the clip on Instagram. Grounds for refusal: clip referred to forensic laboratory with prima facie videography material; informant's version believed; Instagram circulation aggravated the offence showing criminal intention and perversity; release deemed detrimental to the victim's young sisters (19 and 23) and the locality; FIR-delay objection deferred to trial though charge framed. Counsel's points (mobile recovered, investigation over, applicant aged 18/19) did not secure bail. Fee of Rs. 6,000/- quantified for appointed counsel for respondent No. 3. Relevant themes: bail refusal where social-media circulation of a sexual-assault video aggravates gravity; POCSO with BNS 351(2)/(3) and ITA 67B; forensic verification of video pending.