The Uttarakhand High Court has denied interim relief to contractor Usman Khan in a high-profile minor rape case in Nainital. The court has fixed February 16 as the next date of hearing on his bail application.
The matter was heard by a single bench of Justice Alok Kumar Mehra. During the hearing, counsel for Usman Khan argued that he has been in jail for a prolonged period and that the case was highlighted due to extensive media and internet coverage. The defence submitted that no offence of rape was committed and sought his release on bail.
Usman Khan, a resident of Rukoot Compound in Nainital, was booked by Kotwali Police in April last year under charges of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old minor. Following the registration of the case, local organisations staged protests, and incidents of vandalism were reported in the market area. The case led to demonstrations in Nainital city for several days.
The accused has remained in judicial custody since his arrest. The High Court, after hearing preliminary arguments, declined to grant immediate relief and scheduled the matter for further consideration on the next date.
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The case continues to draw attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the public reaction that followed the FIR registration.
