Karnataka High Court grants bail to POCSO accused, conditions release on marriage undertaking
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a POCSO rape accused, Lokesh Kumar, under the condition that he will marry the minor victim upon her reaching the age of majority. This decision came after both the accused and the guardian of the minor victim filed affidavits in court agreeing to the marriage arrangement.
Lokesh Kumar faced charges under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC and various sections of the POCSO Act, 2012. The allegations against him revolved around the accusation of committing penetrative sexual assault on the victim, who later became pregnant and underwent an abortion at a hospital in Chikkaballapur District.
During the court proceedings, the petitioner/accused pledged in an affidavit to marry the victim once she reaches adulthood. Similarly, the minor guardian of the victim also submitted an affidavit expressing readiness to solemnize the marriage with the accused upon the victim's attainment of majority.
Considering these undertakings, the court concluded that the petitioner's presence was no longer required for the ongoing investigation, and thus, there was no purpose served by keeping him in custody. Consequently, the court granted bail to the accused upon the execution of a personal bond amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 with one surety, subject to specified conditions.
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3 Indian students among those injured in Australia’s Bondi Beach attack
Melbourne (PTI): Three Indian students were among 40 people injured in the terrorist attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach in Australia, according to a media report on Tuesday.
Two out of these three students are believed to be receiving treatment in the hospital, The Australia Today news portal reported.
The names of the Indian students injured during Sunday's attack have not been disclosed yet.
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The Indian students sustained injuries during the shooting, and their exact condition has not been formally confirmed yet, it said.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, 50, opened fire on a gathering during the Jewish festival Hanukkah by the Sea celebration.
At least 15 people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old child. Five of the injured remain in critical condition, while two injured police officers are in serious but stable condition, it added.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the investigation is expanding as new information emerges, including international travel by the alleged attackers and the discovery of extremist material, the report said.
