08 August,2026 01:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
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A sessions court in Maharashtra's Thane has granted pre-arrest bail to former MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut, his son Gitesh and three other family members in a case involving allegations of domestic violence and offences under the state's anti-black magic law.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by Girija Raut, the daughter-in-law of Vinayak Raut and wife of Gitesh Raut, at the Kapurbawdi police station in Thane.
In her complaint, Girija alleged that she was subjected to severe physical and mental harassment, marital misconduct and torture by her husband and in-laws. She also alleged that she was forcibly made to participate in occult rituals and claimed that provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, were violated.
The complaint led to the registration of a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra anti-black magic law.
The allegations made in the complaint have not been established in court, and the proceedings are at the investigation stage.
Additional Sessions Judge S P Agarwal on Friday allowed the anticipatory bail applications filed by Vinayak Raut, Gitesh Raut, Shamal Raut, Surekha Rajesh Sarphare and Rajesh Narayan Sarfare.
While considering the applications, the court examined the allegations concerning the alleged superstitious rituals. Judge Agarwal noted that the complainant had alleged that such rituals took place between 2018 and 2022 but had not lodged a complaint during those four years.
The court also considered the nature of the allegations while determining whether custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary.
The court observed that the allegations, on a prima facie assessment, did not satisfy the threshold for the severe prohibited "Aghori" practices covered under the Maharashtra Anti-Black Magic Act.
The Act deals with practices involving human sacrifice and other inhuman, evil and Aghori practices and black magic. The court noted that the provisions relied upon in the case concern acts involving serious physical assault or bodily harm.
Judge Agarwal also took into account the absence of relevant prior criminal records for four of the applicants and the assessment that there was a low likelihood of the accused fleeing from justice.
Based on these considerations, the court held that custodial interrogation was not warranted at this stage and granted the applicants protection from arrest.
The court directed that, in the event of their arrest, all five applicants be released on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 each, along with one or two sureties of the same amount.
The bail order also imposed conditions on the accused to ensure their cooperation with the investigation.
Gitesh Raut was directed to remain present at the Kapurbawdi police station every Friday between 7 pm and 8 pm until the investigating agency submits its final report.
The other accused were directed to appear before the investigating officer whenever their presence is required.
The court's order provides the five accused protection from arrest while the investigation into the allegations continues.
The case stems from allegations made by Girija Raut against her husband and his family members. The allegations include domestic harassment and alleged involvement in prohibited practices under the state's anti-black magic legislation.
(With inputs from PTI)
