Calcutta High Court Takes Up Bail Cancellation Appeal
The Calcutta High Court has taken a significant step in the ongoing law college gang-rape case by admitting the criminal appeal filed by the survivor's father. The appeal specifically seeks the cancellation of bail granted to security guard Pinaki Bandyopadhyay, who was among those arrested in connection with the horrific incident.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh presided over the hearing on Wednesday and issued important directives regarding the case proceedings. The single judge bench instructed the survivor's father to ensure that a copy of the bail cancellation application is properly served to the state government through the office of the public prosecutor.
Case Timeline and Previous Bail Grant
The legal journey in this case has seen several developments since the initial arrests. Pinaki Bandyopadhyay was arrested along with three other individuals on June 25, marking the beginning of formal legal proceedings in the gang-rape case.
In a previous ruling that has now been challenged, the Alipore court granted bail to Bandyopadhyay in October. This decision came approximately three and a half months after his initial arrest, allowing him temporary freedom while the case continues.
According to the charge sheet filed in the case, Bandyopadhyay faces charges of abetting the crime, though his legal representative has consistently argued that his client was not directly involved in the alleged incident during bail proceedings.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for December 12, when further arguments and evidence regarding the bail cancellation appeal will be presented. This date marks a crucial milestone in the survivor's family's pursuit of justice.
The case has drawn significant public attention in Kolkata and across the state, highlighting concerns about campus safety and the judicial process in sensitive criminal cases. The outcome of this bail cancellation appeal could have broader implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As the legal battle continues, all parties await the December hearing where the court will further examine the merits of the appeal seeking to revoke the security guard's bail in this high-profile gang-rape case.
