Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 11:

In a big jolt to Odisha comedy artist Tattwa Prakash Satpathy aka Papu Pom Pom, the Khordha District and Sessions Court here today rejected his bail plea and that of his aide Pradip Swain aka Gitu in the much talked about case pertaining to alleged sexual harassment of a minor girl on the pretext of giving her a break to act in movies.

Papu Pom Pom in Jail

Earlier in the day, the court had kept its verdict reserved on the bail pleas of the duo.

While Papu Pom Pom and Gitu appeared before the court via video conferencing during the hearing, the minor’s father and mother appeared in person before the court.

"The court has rejected the bail applications. We have to think of the next step. We will certainly make a second attempt. We will see. It will be done through the normal process like in any other case. Nothing exceptional will be done in this case. The case doesn't have any gravity. Only, after going through the court's order, I can say on what grounds the bail applications have been rejected. Then we will decide on our next course of action," said Ashok Kumar Routray, counsel for Papu Pom Pom to reporters outside the court premises after the judge pronounced the verdict.

"We had earlier said that in all likelihood the court would reject their bail pleas and that has happened. Firstly, he is an influential person and can influence the investigation process. Secondly, he had also threatened us which we have mentioned in our report. Thirdly, the submission of a compromise petition by the minor's father through his lawyer created more problems. In my opinion, it boomeranged and Papu Pom Pom's bail plea was rejected," said Benudhar Senapati, member Child Welfare Committee (CWC) commenting on the court's verdict.

Senapati said counselling of the victim by the CWC will continue adding that they will keep a close watch and try for speedy trial of the case. He said Sessions Courts have been declared as special courts in Odisha under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

It may be noted here that Papu Pom Pom and Gitu’s bail applications could not be taken hearing on July 11 by the court and had to be postponed since the police had sought seven days time to submit the case diary with the court.

Twin City Commissionerate Police had arrested Papu Pom Pom and his aide Pradip Swain on June 30 from an apartment in Puri and produced them before the residential court of the Khordha District and Sessions Judge. They were later sent to Jharpada Special Jail.

Papu Pom Pom has been charged under sections 354(A), 506, 509 of the IPC and sections 8, 12 and 17 of the POCSO Act.