Colva: South Goa sessions judge Sharmila A Patil granted bail to Dharmendra Kumar Prasad, arrested by Verna police in an alleged gang rape case, noting there was no prima facie material to establish his involvement in the alleged offence.The complaint filed by a woman on Sept 3, 2026, alleged she was deceived between June 2024 and July 2026 after being led to believe the accused was unmarried. She claimed he married her in a temple in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024 while concealing that he was already married.She also alleged he had sexual intercourse with her on multiple occasions by deceit, resulting in pregnancy, and that he assaulted her by slapping her and verbally abusing her.While hearing the bail plea, the judge noted that in her reply that the woman stated she had no grievance and no objection to Prasad being granted bail. The court observed that her complaint referred to one Arjun Ram and included allegations such as cheating, sexual exploitation, concealment of marital status, repeated coercion to undergo abortions, and mental and physical harassment.Referring to the woman’s statement recorded before the judicial magistrate at Vasco, the judge noted it mentioned only her sexual relationship with Ram and did not refer to Prasad or the co-accused.“In the absence of any prima facie material on record indicating gang rape or even sexual assault by the applicant, his continued custody is not required,” the court said while allowing the application.Prasad was directed to be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond of ₹30,000 with a surety of the same amount, subject to stringent conditions.
