Mumbai: The Dindoshi sessions court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Binoy Kodiyeri, son of CPM's Kerala unit secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, in a sexual harassment case.
The court directed Binoy to pay Rs 25,000 and asked him to be present before the investigating officer on Mondays.
The court also directed Binoy to provide blood samples for a DNA test if the probe team demands it.
In an first information report (FIR filed) at the Oshiwara police station in Andheri area, a 33-year-old, who hails from Bihar, alleged that Binoy sexually exploited her for several years on the promise of marriage.
She also claimed they have a child.
The complaint was registered on June 13 after she came to know that Binoy was already married.
Till 2015, Binoy even used to send her money every month, she said.
She has already produced documentary evidence.
The Mumbai Police had earlier said Binoy’s arrest would take place immediately in case his bail plea was rejected.
A look-out notice was also issued against him, considering the possibility of the accused leaving the country.
Police officers from Mumbai had reached Kerala also as part of the investigation, but they failed to trace Binoy, who is now in hiding.
The Dindoshi court had on last Thursday posted the case for Monday as counsel for the accused told the court more evidence had to be presented.
On Monday, the victim's counsel submitted an affidavit with fresh evidence.
“There are discrepancies in the victim's statement. The DNA paternity test request by the victim should not be considered by the court during the hearing of the anticipatory bail application plea,' Binoy's counsel had argued.
The victim was involved in other relationships, the counsel told the court. The counsel also submitted some photographs.
The national and state leadership of the CPM, including the accused's father Balakrishnan, have washed their hands of the matter saying since Binoy was not a party member and the party had nothing to do with this.
The counsel for the accused had also submitted in the court that the status of Binoy's father as a former minister had no relevance in the case.
Vinodini Kodiyeri, wife of Balakrishnan and mother of Binoy, had held talks with the complainant according to media reports.
