Mumbai, May 13 (The Hindu): The Bombay High Court on Thursday allowed former Congress MP Nilesh Rane to amend his petition seeking anticipatory bail in a kidnapping and assault case.

The Thane police had registered a case against son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, his personal assistant Tushar Panchal, and bodyguard Manish Singh for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting Congress president of Chiplun Taluka Sandeep Sawant in April.

On Wednesday, Justice PD Naik had recused himself from the case and directed Mr. Rane to approach another vacation bench.

According to the FIR, Mr. Rane and his accomplices had allegedly kidnapped Mr. Sawant and assaulted him on way to Mumbai for not attending a rally called by Mr Rane, to demand reservation for the Maratha community.

Mr. Sawant had told Mr. Rane that he could not attend because his mother was ill and had to be taken to the hospital. Mr. Sawant was allegedly confined to a house at Andheri and later let off. A complaint was then lodged by Mr. Sawant against Mr. Rane and others.

On Thursday, advocate Rajendra Shirodkar appearing for the MP, said he just got a copy of a sessions court order that refused him anticipatory bail. He said while rejecting the plea, the court had made certain observations in his favour. The order had said that investigations were over and custodial interrogation was no longer required.

Public prosecutor Arfan Sait told the court that the police will not arrest Mr. Rane until the next date. A vacation Bench of Justice MS Karnik adjourned the hearing till May 17.

The ex-MP has been asked to amend petition in a kidnapping and assault case.