Man granted bail after alleged indecent assault of schoolgirl on bus

A man accused of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl on a Sydney bus has been living in Australia for two years on a bridging visa that was granted on humanitarian grounds, a court has heard. Ashok Bhatia, 52, was released on bail today.

• Man ‘blames fire on imaginary intruder’
• HIV victim: ‘He played Russian roulette with my life’

A man who allegedly touched up a 14-year-old schoolgirl on a bus migrated to Australia on humanitarian grounds because he identified as bisexual.

Ashok Bhatia, 52, is accused of indecently assaulting the teenager, who was dressed in a school uniform, on a bus from Blacktown to Glenwood at 3.25pm on May 30.

He wasn’t arrested until Friday night after police released CCTV images of three men wanted for questioning over indecent assaults committed against women on Sydney’s public transport system.

Parramatta Bail Court heard on Saturday Bhatia, who lives in Surry Hills, admitted the man in the CCTV was him but denied the allegations.

Ashok Bhatia, 52, leaving Surry Hills Police Centre after being granted bail. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A backpack and clothing that matched what the man in the CCTV was wearing was also found during a search warrant of his unit on Denham St.

Police prosecutor Ernest Chan said the alleged assault was a “sustained, brazen act” that took place even after the girl told him to stop.

He opposed Bhatia’s release on bail and argued he was a risk of fleeing the country.

“The community has to be protected, your honour,” he said.

Bhatia’s lawyer said he arrived in Australia two years ago on a bridging visa that was granted on humanitarian grounds.

MORE FROM AVA BENNY-MORRISON:

15 missing persons cases solved by new crack squad

How club’s ‘one for the road’ cost patron his life

He was studying at TAFE, had assistance from Mission Australia and was trying to get a job in construction as he was currently on Newstart allowance.

The defence lawyer admitted while the CCTV footage showed his client, it didn’t show the alleged assault.

Magistrate Paul Mulroney granted him bail after finding it was a strong circumstantial case.

The fact the alleged victim made a complaint early on and was seen in a state of distress supported the prosecution case, he said.

Bhatia has to report to police three days a week and not go near the victim.

Bhatia, who is charged with sexually touch another person without consent, is allowed to use the bus network but not within a 5km radius of Blacktown interchange.

The case was adjourned to August 16.

Bhatia was arrested as part of Operation Artemis, a police strike force targeting a string of indecent assaults against women on buses and trains.

Three other men have also been arrested this week as part of the investigation.