Godman denied anticipatory bail in molestation case

The Delhi High Court today rejected anticipatory bail plea of a self-styled godman, accused of molesting and attempting to rape a married woman in March.
Dismissing Swami Raghuvansh Puri's anticipatory bail plea, Justice Manmohan Singh said the allegations are "serious" in nature and the investigation is at initial stage for which his "custodial interrogation is required."
"If the allegations are proved, then it is a serious matter. Swami Raghuvansh Puri is not available at the addresses in Delhi and Haridwar. He is not joining the investigation. No doubt, the matter is under investigation which is yet to be completed," Justice Singh said relying on the police status report filed through advocate M N Dudeja.

"Keeping in view the conduct of Puri and the nature of allegations made by the complainant coupled with the fact that the investigation is still at the initial stage for which the petitioner's custodial interrogation is necessary as per the case of the respondent and he is not coming forward for the investigation, I am of the view that the application for grant of anticipatory bail of Puri is liable to be dismissed," the court said while rejecting Puri's plea.
According to the police, the woman, who has two children, had gone to meet Puri in his Vaidyanath Mahadev Mandir in F-Block, Ashok Vihar, where the Guru had molested her and also tried to rape her. After which, she had lodged an FIR with Ashok Vihar police station on March 26, 2013.

The woman also claimed that she had recorded some phone calls of the petitioner who had expressed his desire of having physical relation with her.
As per the police status report, raids have been conducted at Puri's residence in Haridwar as well as in Delhi besides examining Puri's associates at his residences.