HC notice to rape accused

The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to a rape accused, upon the petition of the victim seeking cancellation of his bail.
The victim, a 26-year-old married woman, had tried to commit suicide inside the courtroom by consuming poison when the Judge adjourned the hearing of her petition yesterday.
Justice A J Desai, who then advanced the hearing, today issued notice to the accused Sandeep Panchal (45) and fixed the further hearing on March 8. But the judge refused to stay the order of the lower court, which has granted anticipatory bail to Panchal.
The victim says Panchal raped her in 2008 and filmed it. Later he blackmailed her and exploited her sexually.

The victim's attempt to commit suicide was the second such instance in the last few weeks. A gang-rape victim, on January 23, attempted suicide by consuming poison at the metropolitan court here, alleging delay in judicial process.