Sitapur: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore, representing Sitapur Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly sexually exploiting a woman under the pretext of marriage.
Arrest During Press Conference
Rathore was taken into custody while addressing a press conference, a day after the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. The case was registered against him on January 17, following a complaint from a woman who alleged that he had exploited her for four years, promising to marry her.
Legal Battle & Court’s Verdict
Rathore’s legal team, led by advocates Arvind Masdalan and Dinesh Tripathi, initially sought anticipatory bail in the MP-MLA court in Sitapur, which was rejected. The case was then escalated to the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench, where Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan dismissed the plea on Wednesday.
Plaintiff’s Allegations vs. Rathore’s Defense
- Defense Argument: Rathore’s lawyer argued that the case was filed after four years and claimed it was a case of false implication.
- Plaintiff’s Stand: The woman’s lawyer countered that she delayed filing the complaint due to fear of Rathore’s influence.
Court’s Direction on Surrender & Bail Plea
The court directed Rathore to surrender in the sessions court within two weeks and ordered that his bail plea be processed without delay.
The arrest of a sitting MP in a high-profile sexual exploitation case has sparked political controversy, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties and the public alike.
