Rishabh Mahajan, a 30-year-old student from India residing in Smithfield, Dublin 7, has been sent forward for trial following allegations that he engaged in lewd acts outside a woman’s workplace in Dublin. The alleged incidents, captured on CCTV footage, occurred on three separate nights.
Mr. Mahajan faces three charges under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, specifically for allegedly exposing himself with the intent to cause fear, distress, or alarm.
Dublin District Court deemed the case too serious for its jurisdiction and transferred it to a higher court with greater sentencing authority.
During a hearing before Judge Treasa Kelly on Friday, the prosecution presented Mr. Mahajan with a book of evidence. Judge Kelly then ordered him to stand trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case is scheduled for mention on October 9.
Defence counsel Paddy Flynn, instructed by solicitor Tracy Horan, successfully applied for legal aid for Mr. Mahajan, who remains on bail subject to specific conditions.
Garda Patrick Hynes testified during an earlier bail hearing that the alleged offenses took place over a two-week period in October and November of the previous year.
He stated that the accused was allegedly masturbating outside the woman’s workplace on the north side of the city between the hours of 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and that these incidents were recorded by CCTV cameras.
The defense has stated that Mr. Mahajan maintains his innocence.
The court was informed that Mr. Mahajan arrived in Ireland last year and subsequently lost his apartment and his place at university due to these allegations.
In a plea for bail, the defense argued that Mr. Mahajan was willing to surrender his passport and abide by all bail conditions.
Judge Kelly, while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, noted Mr. Mahajan’s lack of prior failures to appear in court and granted bail subject to conditions.
These conditions include refraining from contacting the woman, surrendering his passport, residing at a specified address provided to the Gardaí and notifying them of any changes of address. Mr. Mahajan is also required to sign on at a designated Dublin Garda station each week.
Mr. Mahajan confirmed his understanding that breaching these terms could lead to his remand in custody. He also acknowledged his obligation to notify the prosecution should he intend to present an alibi defense.
