The J&K and Ladakh High Court has granted pre-arrest bail to a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, who is facing “sexual assault, harassment and mental torture” charges. “It is directed that in the event of arrest of the petitioner…for…

The J&K and Ladakh High Court has granted pre-arrest bail to a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, who is facing “sexual assault, harassment and mental torture” charges.

“It is directed that in the event of arrest of the petitioner…for commission of offence…he be released on bail,” the court said in its order after the accused approached the High Court seeking bail in anticipation of the arrest.

The court in the order “permitted the investigation to continue. However, it directed that the chargesheet will not be filed without the permission of this court.” It said: “Prima facie case for indulgence is made out at this stage. In case of his arrest, his reputation as well as the service career shall be jeopardised.” The J&K Police recently registered an FIR after a woman Flying Officer gave a complaint against the Wing Commander. The FIR was lodged at the Budgam police station.

The court order, however, has imposed some restrictions. He has been asked to furnish “two sureties of ~50,000 each and a personal bond of like amount. He has also been told not to leave J&K “without the permission of his Commanding Officer.”

“He will not contact any of the prosecution witnesses either physically or through any other mode. He will have to appear before the investigating officer from September 14 to 16 from 10 am till 2 pm, and thereafter as and when required,” the court said. In her complaint to the police, the officer had alleged after a party at the Air Force Station in Srinagar on the New Year’s Eve last year, a Wing Commander took her to his room on the pretext of handing her over some gift and sexually assaulted her.