Panaji (Goa):The District & Sessions Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of advocate Aires Rodrigues in connection with sexual harassment case registered against him at Crime Branch (CB). However, the investigation agency is asked to give 48 hours prior notice in the event of invoking non bailable section or his arrest.

Adv Rodrigues had moved the court seeking anticipatory bail fearing arrest, after CB issued summons to him.

The investigating officer has till date issued at least five summonses seeking his deposition in the FIR, that was transferred from Anjuna police station to CB over a week ago.

In the order today, the court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail but gave a breather of 48 hours directing CB to issue notice if his arrest is required.

Anjuna police on November 28 registered FIR against him under sections 354 (A) (iv)(sexual harassment), 509 (words or gesture to insult modesty of a woman), 500 (punishment for defamation) of Indian Penal Code. In her complaint, the woman victim alleged that on November 4, 2017, Rodrigues had circulated on Facebook and Whatsapp an alleged video footage of Minister Vinod Paliencar with her. The complainant also claimed that on November 7, Rodrigues circulated her picture on whatsapp linking her to the alleged sex scandal.

The advocate has denied all allegations.

Team TNV