ORDER :

Wanlura Diengdoh, J.

1. This is an application under Section 438 Cr.P.C. preferred by the petitioner seeking grant of pre-arrest bail in connection with Mawsynram RS case No. 6(2) 2020 u/S. 363, IPC r/w sections 7 and 8 POCSO, Act.

2. According to the petitioner, he was friendly with one Ms. Bobita Burman (who is said to be about 19 years of age) who came to meet him at Puksora on 17.02.2020 ostensibly after attending a fest programme of Koch Manchi at Pyndenborsora. She was accompanied by her friend who is a minor.

3. The petitioner states that he went to meet Ms. Bobita as she had already arrived at Puksora and after the meeting, they were looking for a vehicle to take them back to the girl's village, but since it was already late, no vehicle was available and Ms. Bobita having no relatives at Puksora, the petitioner had no option but to invite her to stay with him at his cousin's residence (Government quarter) which she agreed and on reaching the residence, the petitioner arranged for the girls to sleep in a separate room. The following day, the petitioner went to drop them to their village.

4. However, it came to the knowledge that on 18.02.2020 an FIR was lodged before the