No Respite To BSP MP Atul Rai, Special Court Junks His Plea Seeking Further Probe In Rape Case

A Special Prayagraj Court for MP/MLA on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking further investigation filed by BSP MP Atul Rai in the rape case against him. The Court took the decision noting objections raised by the prosecution counsel.

The lawmaker from the Ghoshi parliamentary constituency is lodged in jail since June 2019 following a complaint by a woman accusing him of rape. She and her friend set themselves ablaze before the Supreme Court and they succumbed to the burn injuries. The duo had live-streamed the even on social media accusing the MP of threatening them. The victim had already filed a plea before the top court to transfer the investigation from Prayagraj to New Delhi.

While rejecting Rai's plea, the Special Court fixed the date of September 7 to record the statement of accused MP Rai and directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Prayagraj to ensure that Rai is produced in Court for that purpose.

On the victim's complaint, Lanka Police Station of Varanasi registered a case of rape and cheating besides other offences against the accused MP. The alleged rape victim had accused Rai of raping her on March 7, 2019. The police have filed charge sheet in the case. Recently the Lucknow police had arrested former IPS Amitabh Thakur for conspiring with Rai and spreading false information about the rape victim on social media.

Inputs from PTI.