A magistrate has cautioned the police prosecutor during Rewa footballer Merrill Nand’s bail hearing, saying it is unfair to respond to an affidavit without perusing it first.
Magistrate Yogesh Prasad made the remark yesterday after it emerged that the investigating officer had responded to Mr Nand’s affidavit without reviewing it.
Mr Nand faces three counts of rape, two counts of assault, and one count of sexual assault which allegedly happened last year.
The investigating officer opposed bail, claiming Mr Nand is a flight risk due to frequent overseas travel and may not return to face trial.
However, defence lawyer Jitendra Reddy argued this risk could be managed through a stop departure order and seizure of his passport.
The ruling is expected at 2.30pm today.
