Guj HC relief for BJP leader in rape case

Gujarat High Court on Tuesday acceded to the request of former state BJP vice-president Jayanti Bhanushali to quash the FIR filed against him by a 21-year-old woman alleging rape.

The decision was announced by the court of Justice P P Bhatt after the girl submitted an affidavit stating that she had no objection to quashing of FIR as she had lodged it due to some “misunderstanding” and in the spur of the moment. “I am not willing to go ahead with the criminal trial as the dispute is settled and I request that the FIR may be quashed in the interest of justice as no useful purpose would be served...” she said in her affidavit. “...I would like to have a harmonious and friendly relationship with the petitioner as well as in the society for a better future...”

Bhanushali, one of the senior most leaders in the state BJP, had stepped down from his post after allegations were levelled against him. He has been absconding and failed to appear before the state police despite three summons in last one month.

The FIR against Bhanushali was lodged in Surat in July. The High Court had on Friday last asked the girl to submit whether she was withdrawing the FIR under pressure after Bhanushali filed a caution petition seeking quashing of FIR. He said he had reached an amicable settlement with the girl.