Judge Desai walks out of jail

South African judge Sirajuddin Mohammed Ibrahim Desai, who was granted bail by a sessions court in a rape case, was released from jail on Friday evening.

"I was framed. It was a traumatic experience for me as well as my family but I am thankful to the media, South African consulate and team of lawyers for expressing their support," Desai, who was accused of raping a 27-year-old AIDS activist of his own country, said.

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"My first wish is to go back home and soften the blow of this case. I am also grateful to the people of South Africa for giving me support. I am proud to be a South African national," he said.

However, he refused to comment on the incident, saying it was sub-judice and the case had not been withdrawn yet.

The court granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 10,000 and a surety of same amount. The court observed that there was prima facie substance in Desai's argument that it was consensual sex and not rape.

The court also observed that the 'victim' had withdrawn all charges against the judge, and that the state had not oppose the bail.

Public prosecutor R V Kini said the charge sheet had already been filed and so it did not make much difference if Desai got bail. What was important was his presence in court during hearings, he added.