The bail petition of homestay owner Vishal, also known as PA Ponnappa, in the US tourist rape case has been adjourned to April 28. The II Additional District and Sessions Court at Virajpet ruled that the question of impleading the survivor does not arise in this case and accordingly postponed the matter.
Court's Decision on Impleading Survivor
Advocate Kokkanda Appanna, representing the accused, argued that impleading the survivor during a bail petition hearing applies only to cases of gang rape and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, and not to the present case. After hearing the arguments, the court posted the petition for objections.
Bail Proceedings for Co-accused
Meanwhile, the advocate of the prime accused, Vrijesh from Jharkhand, has applied for a certified copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to file a bail petition. Vrijesh has been in judicial custody since Sunday.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a foreign national. The court's next hearing on April 28 is expected to address the bail application of Vishal, while the co-accused prepares his own legal recourse.
