Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Sep 10: In all possibility, Atul Rao, accused in the case of disappearance and unnatural death of Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat's wife Padmapriya, will be released on bail on Wednesday September 10. It is expected that even after release, he will continue to remain in Sanjeevini Hospital in Bejai here, where he is undergoing Ayurvedic treatment for his ailments. He may undergo treatment there for two more weeks, as advised by doctors.
A copy of the orders passed by the state High Court granting bail to Atul, was submitted to the court of the chief judicial magistrate Udupi on Tuesday September 9. On behalf of Atul, advocate Steven Victor Lewis presented the orders in the court, and also submitted a bond for a lac of rupees and two sureties for the like amount, as per the conditional bail terms.
A court bailiff then went to Mangalore with the orders releasing Atul on bail, to the district jail in Mangalore. As the judicial custody prescribed to Atul by the court of the chief judicial magistrate here expires on Wednesday, Atul should either be released on Wednesday or be presented in the court. On the other hand, the officials may choose to file certificate to the fact that he is undergoing treatment. In all likelihood, he will be a free man from Wednesday on.
It may be recalled, that the district and sessions court had refused to grant Atul bail in the case, citing threat to his life as reason. The High Court took a different stand while disposing off his petition, and ordered his release on bail, last week.
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