SC reserves order in Gayatri Prajapati rape case

Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati, who is a rape accused was seeking interim bail, claiming poor health. Meanwhile, govt has argued that Prajapati requires no treatment that needs hospitalization. The case is taking more time than expected.

New Delhi: The Supreme court on Tuesday reserved its order on granting bail to former Uttar Pradesh Minister Gayatri Prajapati, who is an accused in a rape case involving a minor and her mother.

He was arrested on the top Court's directions in 2017 and earlier this year on 21st September. The court had stayed his interim bail which was granted by the Allahabad High Court on medical grounds.

Meanwhile, the medical board has stated that Prajapati can be treated in the jail itself, no treatment required hospitalisation and his condition is said to be stable, Additional Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta informed the court.

However Senior Advocate Rajiv Dhawan appearing for Prajapati told the court that there are eight reports showing his illness, he is diabetic, has respiratory problems, kidney problems etc and is seriously sick.

Prosecutors want Prajapati to go to the jail hospital but it is not equipped, argued Dhavan.

Further, he informed the court that his regular bail has not been decided for three years and the High court has refrained from deciding it. Let the regular bail be heard on merits, observed the court and reserved its orders.

Reportedly, a Chitrakoot-based woman had alleged that Prajapati and his six aides had gang-raped her and attempted to outrage the modesty of her minor daughter when he was a minister in UP.

The police had booked the former minister for rape and other serious charges, including sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.