ORDER

This is an application for anticipatory bail.

2. The petitioner is the 6th accused in Crime No.185/2021 of Nedumpuzha Police Station, Thrissur District alleging commission of offences under Sections 363, 420, 506(i) and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 4 r/w 3, 6 r/w 5, 17 r/w 16 and 21 r/w 19 of the POCSO Act and Section 67B of the Information Technology Act.

3. The 1st accused in Crime No.185/2021 is alleged to have committed sexual assault and rape on the minor victim girl, who was 17 years at the time of the incident. Accused Nos.2 to 6 are alleged to have aided and abetted the 1st accused in committing the above offences. As far as the petitioner/6th accused is concerned, there is an additional allegation that he down loaded the videos of the sexual assault committed by the 1st accused on the victim girl and also criminally intimidated the victim girl stating that he would circulate the said videos.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that this is a case where the alleged sexual assault was carried out only by the 1st accused. It is submitted that the petitioner has neither aided nor abetted the 1st accused in the commission of the alleged crime