Rape accused IGP asked to surrender within 15 days

Ranchi, Jul 12 (UNI) Rejecting the antipatory bail, Jharkhand High Court today ordered Prakash Satyam Natrajan, the Inspector General of police who was caught in a sting operation last year, to surrender before the district court here within 15 days.

The controversial police officer, accused in connection with the rape charges levelled by one Sushma Baraik alias Padma Devi, had been absconding since the incident was telecast by various electronic media channels in August last year.

Justice D G R Patnaik today passed the order while hearing the anticipatory bail petition filed by the absconder.

The court directed the district court to decide on the matter on merit basis.

Natarajan's pleader contended that the allegation made by Sushma Baraik alias Padma Devi was false and fabricated.

A case in this regard was filed at Lower Bazar thana last year.

The complainant, now staying in Dhanbad, has been under police protection.

UNI XC-PRS MSJ VC2053