Delhi Court Orders Interim Bail for Fugitive in 2017 London Pub Rape Case

A Delhi court ordered the release of Jose Inacio Cota, accused in the 2017 London Pub Rape case, after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months. The court cited pending legal proceedings in Goa as the reason for staying his extradition to the UK.

A Delhi court has ordered the release of fugitive criminal Jose Inacio Cota, accused in the 2017 London Pub Rape case, after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months. The decision comes amid legal complications delaying his extradition to the UK due to another pending case in Goa.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Abhishek Kumar at Patiala House Court mandated Cota's release on Thursday, upon acceptance of his bail bond. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma granted interim bail on July 10, specifying strict conditions including the surrender of Cota's passport.

The High Court considered submissions from Cota's counsel, who argued that extradition was unfeasible while a 2021 criminal case in Goa remains unresolved. The Central Government concurred, citing legal provisions that postpone extradition until the criminal case's resolution. Cota's bail conditions include weekly check-ins and restricted travel imposed by the High Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)