Guwahati: The anticipatory bail request of Lokam Tassar, a BJP MLA accused of raping a pregnant lady was denied by an Arunachal Pradesh court on Monday.
The Koloriang MLA who is now avoiding arrest had his bail request denied by the sessions court in Yupia, close to the capital Itanagar.
Tassar has been accused of raping the woman on July 4 at his home, and a complaint has been filed against him.
“Presence of petitioner and victim at the location of occurrence is prima facie found at this point,” stated Judge Gote Mega, who was hearing the case. The rule of evidence, which cannot yet be decided, determines whether or not the claimed crime was committed on the relevant day.
“However,” the court stated, “it is thought necessary that the petitioner should join an ongoing criminal investigation by making himself available before the IO (investigating officer) of the case at the earliest opportunity.”
The woman’s attorney claimed that since there is no longer a need for criminal prosecution, the police can simply arrest the MLA by notifying the assembly speaker.
The MLA’s attorney, Khoda Tama, stated in court that Tassar had never committed a rape or engaged in consensual sexual activity with the woman.
Additionally, he begged the judge to give release to the MLA since he is ready to assist with the inquiry as needed.
However, the judge came to the conclusion that there were sufficient grounds presented by the public defender and the woman’s attorney to deny pre-arrest bail.
According to the police, they are working harder to catch the MLA who is trying to avoid arrest.
Tassar was not discovered during raids at his two residences in Naharlagun and Itanagar, according to Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kamdam Sikom.
We’ll have him arrested as soon as we find him, Sikom stated.
In addition, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the BJP will punish the MLA harshly if he is found guilty in court.