Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 18: Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji of Sri Ramachandrapur Math, who has been facing charges of rape and abetment of suicide, succeeded in securing conditional anticipatory bail in both the cases. While the case relating to rape was slapped by Premalatha Shastri, who used to perform Rama Katha programmes for the Math till she fell out of favour, the other case is connected with the suicide committed by Shyamprasad Shastri, brother of Diwakar Shastri, presumably under pressure and threat connected with the first case.

The sessions court, which has been hearing the cases, was approached by the Swamiji for anticipatory bail. The court, which originally restrained police from taking the Swamiji into custody for a month through interim bail, had extended this period further thereafter. After hearing arguments and counter arguments, the court had reserved the verdict for November 17. On Monday, the court announced its decision of granting anticipatory bail with certain conditions.

During this period, the Swamiji has been asked to surrender his passport in the court. He has been ordered not to threaten the witnesses, and be present for court hearings as and when his presence was sought. The Swamiji has also been asked to provide a security bond of one lac rupees and a surety for the like amount.