HC allows Kasliwal to enter Mumbai for 4 weeks

Abhishek Kasliwal, accused of raping a 52-year-old woman in 2006, has been finally allowed to enter the city by the Bombay High Court after a period of two-and-a-half years.

Abhishek Kasliwal, accused of raping a 52-year-old woman in 2006, has been finally allowed to enter the city by the Bombay High Court after a period of two-and-a-half years. Earlier, he was allowed to travel anywhere but Mumbai to avoid any manipulation of evidence or witnesses.

The High Court has granted interim relaxation of conditions for a period of four weeks as there has been no progress in the trial since 2006. Justice D B Bhosale has, however, directed Kasliwal to attend Worli police station twice a week before the next hearing scheduled after four weeks.

Prosecution had reiterated their earlier arguments that if allowed to enter Mumbai there are chances he might tamper with evidence or witnesses.

Meanwhile, the police have been directed to give a status report on the missing woman who was allegedly raped before the next hearing.

The court had earlier directed the state government to file a reply regarding what efforts they have taken to trace the woman who was supposed to be given protection by the police based on earlier HC directions.

Justice Bhosale has also sought copy of the Police Commissioner8217;s report regarding the efforts made to trace the woman which has been filed before the trial court. Abhishek Kasliwal had moved a fresh application before the High Court seeking relaxation of conditions so that he can come back to Mumbai.

Kasliwal, who is in Delhi following court directions, wanted to come to Mumbai as his work is getting affected and the trial is still pending.

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8220;We are awaiting copy of the order after which he can come to Mumbai,8221; said his advocate Shamsher Garud.

Kasliwal, son of Shree Ram mill and S Kumar8217;s brand owner Ambhuj Kasliwal, contends that there has been no progress in the trial even after the elapse of one year. According to Garud, summonses have been issued to the witnesses and the trial is expected to resume in November.

Kasliwal, who was arrested on March 12, 2006, got bail in April and was directed to stay in New Delhi and his entry into Mumbai was restricted to avoid any manipulation of evidence. According to the prosecution, Kasliwal had offered a lift to the woman from Colaba area in the wee hours and then allegedly raped her.