The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Congress MP Rakesh Rathore in Sitapur in a rape case, following the rejection of his anticipatory bail petition by the Allahabad High Court. Rathore, who represents the Sitapur seat in the Lok Sabha, is accused of raping a 45-year-old woman over four years.
Sitapur Superintendent of Police Chakresh Mishra confirmed the allegations, stating that Rathore had promised to marry the woman and help her build her political career. The arrest took place during a press conference organized by Rathore at his residence.
After a two-week search, Rathore was apprehended and taken to the City Kotwali police station for further legal proceedings. The FIR against him was registered on January 17, citing sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita related to rape, criminal intimidation, and threats with a firearm.
Rathore had been evading authorities since the filing of the FIR, but his plea for anticipatory bail was dismissed by the court. His lawyer argued that the case was fabricated and that Rathore was falsely implicated. The complainant's counsel explained the delay in reporting the crime, citing fear of defamation.
The Allahabad High Court's decision mandated Rathore's surrender at the Sitapur district and sessions court within two weeks, further complicating the legal battle for the embattled MP.
