Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a visually challenged man (33) who was booked for raping a college student (17) on the false pretext of releasing her from possession of ghosts.Justice Shyam Chandak on July 30 found “substance” in the submission of his advocate Ashley Cusher that “prima facie, this is a case of consensual relationship between the applicant and victim.”According to the girl’s complaint, she felt she was possessed by a ghost. Her cousin’s friend introduced her to his brother, claiming he has knowledge of removing spirits. On July 27, 2025, the man told her she was possessed by four spirits and having physical relations with him was necessary to remove them. On July 30, 2025, he took her to a lodge and sedated her. When she awoke, she found herself disrobed. On Aug 8, 2025, an FIR was registered, he was arrested and thereafter jailed.Justice Chandak said on July 27, 2025, when the man told the girl they should have physical relations, she did not complain to her family. Instead, she went with him to the lodge. It was not that she “was in possession of ghost and therefore, she could not realise that she was being raped.” Cusher said a copy of her Aadhaar card was recovered and it was probable she voluntarily indulged in physical relationship. Justice Chandak said no doubt as minor, her consent was not significant. “However, it cannot be ignored that the victim was aged more than 17 years,” he added. He directed the man’s release on Rs 50,000 personal bond with conditions.
