ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad high court on Monday granted bail to former Union minister and senior BJP functionary

, who was arrested in a case of sexual exploitation of a woman studying law at a college run by his trust at Shahjahanpur, while observing that “both used each other”. Justice Rahul Chaturvedi said, “Both parties crossed their limits and at this stage, it is very difficult to adjudicate as to who exploited whom. In fact, both of them used each other.”

Taking note of woman’s contention, court got trial shifted to Lucknow

The court imposed a number of conditions while granting bail to Chinmayanand. Taking cognisance of the woman’s contention that Chinmayanand can tamper with evidence, the court ordered the transfer of the trial to the Lucknow district court which will take it up on a priority basis and try to conclude the trial within a year.

The court also directed Lucknow senior superintendent of police to ensure the security and safety of the woman, her family and witnesses during the trial.

The court directed Chinmayanand to remain “personally present” on important dates. In case he is absent without giving a proper reason, it would be considered as abuse of the liberty of bail. On September 2, the Supreme Court had directed the UP government to constitute a special investigation team to probe the charge of sexual harassment against Chinmayanand. Chinmanayand was arrested on September 20 by the SIT in Shahajahanpur. Later, the SIT also registered a case against the woman, her three friends and an unnamed person, alleging that they tried to extort money from Chinmayanand. The woman and her three friends were consequently arrested. The high court granted her bail on December 4, 2019.

(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)