LUCKNOW, Sept. 27 -- The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has discharged Congress MP Rakesh Rathore in an alleged rape case registered in Sitapur district, observing that the prosecution material indicated a long-standing consensual relationship between him and the complainant. Justice Subhash Vidyarthi, in an order passed on Friday, allowed Rathore's discharge application. The court said the allegation that Rathore had established a physical relationship with the complainant on the promise of marriage did not, prima facie, raise a strong suspicion that the alleged offence had been committed. As per the order, the complainant said she met Rathore at public meetings, after which he offered her political patronage and an alliance. She accepted the offer and was later appointed district women's president of the Tailik Mahasangh, following which their proximity increased. The court also referred to the statement of the complainant's husband who said Rathore frequently called her to his residence. The court said it was contrary to the allegation that the relationship had been established on a promise of marriage. The high court set aside the trial court's May 5, 2025, order and allowed Rathore's discharge application. htc...