Bengaluru: The 51st Additional Sessions Court on Monday dismissed the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Ramachandrapur Mutt’s head Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami, who is facing a rape charge.

Judge Rama pronounced the judgment reserved after hearing the arguments of both the parties for nearly a month.

The CID police had filed the application to cancel the bail stating that the Swami is not willing to undergo three more medical tests.  A total 13 tests need to be done to ascertain the truth in the (rape) complaint filed by a Ramakatha singer.

When the CID had issued the first notice, the Swami refused to undergo a medical test.  However, after the second notice, he underwent 10 medical tests.

The Swami’s counsel contended that three remaining tests to be done are not necessary for the investigation and 10 tests are sufficient. This apart, he said the Swami had fulfilled all conditions of anticipatory bail by cooperating with the CID’s investigation. Hence, there are no valid grounds for cancellation of bail, he contended.  However, Special Public Prosecutor B A Belliappa argued that the anticipatory bail should not be extended as the Swami is not obliging for medical tests. But it was turned down by the court.

Mr. Belliappa said they will challenge the order in the High Court soon. The HC had dismissed the writ appeal filed by the Swami seeking to quash the FIR and criminal proceedings initiated by CID recently.

(With inputs from ENS)