The Bombay High Court today granted anticipatory bail to MNS leader Sudhakar Khade, who is contesting Maharashtra assembly election from Kavathe-Mahakal in Sangli district, in connection with a rape case.
Justice Mrudula Bhatkar granted him bail on a bond of Rs 20,000.
Khade had alleged in his petition that his political rivals had framed him up ahead of the polls, and he had already written to the director general of police, chief justice of the High Court and other authorities apprehending such a development.
NCP leader and former state home minister R R Patil, who too is contesting from the same constituency, drew strong criticism two days ago with his reported remark at a campaign rally that Khade could have refrained from committing a rape at least until the elections were over.
Later Patil said he was speaking in a sarcastic tone.
