Bail application allowed - High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi (B.A. No. 4289 of 2026, decided 13.07.2026, Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.). Petitioner, in custody since 04.02.2026 in connection with Kuru P.S. Case No. 17 of 2026 pending before the Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Lohardaga, registered under Sections 64, 115(2), 109, 75, 351(2), 3(5) of the BNS, prayed for bail. The first informant report alleged rape upon the victim on 31.01.2026 and threats; when the victim went to complain to the petitioner's father, she was assaulted by the petitioner and his father, who also tried to outrage her modesty by pulling her cloths. Counsel, referring to the case diary, submitted that the underlying dispute concerned sprinkle of some water which fell on the victim while the petitioner's nephew washed his face near a well; witnesses supported the assault and disclosed that cause of dispute but stated they had no idea about any rape; the victim's mother stated that initially the victim had not disclosed any rape to her, informing her of it only subsequently; the medical report found only some injury on the body with no sign of any rape; the victim had separately lodged a case under Section 498(A) of the Indian Penal Code implicating the entire family; and the charge sheet had been submitted. State counsel opposed the prayer, submitting that the victim was being threatened by the petitioner, but the submissions based on the case diary were not disputed. Despite service of notice, the victim did not enter appearance. The Court enlarged the petitioner on bail on a bond of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each, imposing conditions: one bailor to be the petitioner's present pairvikar and the other a close relative; attendance on each and every date with cancellation of the bail bond on a single default; deposit of a self-attested copy of the Aadhar Card with mobile number, not to be changed without prior permission; full co-operation with the proceedings before the court below; and no disturbance to the victim or her family member, failing which the victim may seek appropriate relief from the concerned court.
