JNU rape case: Accused files plea for interim bail

New Delhi: All India Students` Association (AISA) activist Anmol Ratan, who has been accused of raping a first-year PhD student of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), on Tuesday filed an anticipatory bail plea before a Delhi Court.

The court will hear the matter on August 27.

Following the complaint by the 28-year-old victim, the Vasant Kunj Police registered a case under Sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The victim claimed that she had earlier in June asked in a Facebook post for a copy of the movie `Sairat`, to which the accused responded that he got a copy, said the police.

On August 20, the accused picked up the victim from her hostel on the pretext of providing her a copy of the movie, said the police, adding that he took her to his Brahamputra hostel where he offered her some "laced" drink and allegedly raped her.

The police further said the accused did not allow her to leave the hostel and also threatened her.

Meanwhile, taking serious note of the alleged rape, the university yesterday issued an advisory and advised students, staff and teachers to remain vigilant against such incidences, adding the administration does not tolerate such incidents and resolves to take appropriate measures to prevent them in the future.

The JNU authorities said, "The University always stands for dignity of the individual, respect for women and democratic values. It is in this light that the JNU administration strongly condemns the incident of heinous rape in a hostel on the campus on August 20."

"This has completely shaken the JNU Community and has tarnished the image of the university. The administration does not tolerate such incidences and resolves to take appropriate measures to prevent them in the future. The entire JNU community stands with the victim," the university authorities added.