Ex-MP Dhananjay Singh's interim bail extended

A court here Tuesday extended till Aug 18 the interim bail granted to former BSP MP Dhananjay Singh, accused in a rape case. However, he will remain in jail as another court sent him to judicial custody in the maid torture case.

Additional Sessions Judge Sarita Birbal extended the interim bail granted to Dhananjay Singh and listed the matter for Aug 18 for remaining prosecution witnesses in the case to testify.

Singh's counsel S.P.M. Tripathi has sought bail contending that the complainant has not supported the case of the prosecution.

The complainant, a married railway employee who had lodged a rape case against the then Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP, has told the court that he has done nothing wrong with her and she has deposed against the accused in front of a magistrate under pressure from relatives.

The trial court has directed the former MP from Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur constituency to furnish a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh and a surety of like amount.

However, Singh will remain in jail as another court hearing the maid torture case against him Tuesday sent him to judicial custody after he surrendered before it.

He was granted the interim bail till May 20, in both cases.

Dhananjay Singh, accused along with his wife in connection with the alleged murder of their maid, was charge sheeted Feb 1 for various offences, including destroying evidence and abetting murder and attempt to murder.