Date:21/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072119830500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Driver employed by call centre denied bail

Staff Reporter

High courtround-up The court was told he had physical relations with a minor girl

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday rejected the bail application by a driver employed by a call centre who had allegedly lured a minor girl into having physical relations with him after promising to marry her.

According to the prosecution, Srinivasa of Laggere, Bangalore, had become friendly with a minor girl from the area who was employed in a garment factory. On March 31, he promised to marry her, and took her to an isolated place at Chikkabidarakallu on Tumkur Road. In the evening, he took her back to her house. The girls' parents came to know about Srinivasa, and approached his father, who promised to get the couple married. But the promise was not kept, and the girl's father lodged a complaint with the police.

A case was registered against Srinivasa. The Seventh Additional City Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) remanded him to judicial custody. Srinivasa appealed against the ACMM order and urged the High Court to release him on bail. He denied that he had physical relations with the girl, and claimed that the girl and her parents wanted him to marry her as he was employed in a call centre. He said that though the incident was supposed to have occurred on March 31, it was reported only on May 22.

Assistant Public Prosecutor N. Rudra Muni opposed the bail petition, and said the girl was raped, and Srinivasa's release could affect the investigation.

Justice Ajit Gunjal rejected the bail plea.

Bail plea rejected

Justice Ajit Gunjal rejected the bail petitions of Bylappa and eight others, all from Bethanagara, Bangalore North taluk, who were arrested in connection with a murder case.

According to the prosecution, Devaraju and Krishna, two persons from the village, were murdered on May 5 by a group of 16 persons.

On June 20, the Fast Track Court-2, Bangalore Rural district, rejected the bail petitions of Bylappa and the others. The court observed that though the nine accused claimed that they were not involved in the murder, Devaraju's father had told the Nelamangala police that he had been threatened against filing a complaint about the murder.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Rudra Muni opposed the bail petition and said the accused could tamper with evidence.

Justice Gunjal adjourned hearing of the case.