Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 28: An engineering student, 20, who spent nearly 20 days in jail on charges of raping a 17-year-old, has been released on bail by the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) in Panaji. The student was arrested on August 5 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the POCSO Act following allegations of sexual assault at his South Goa home between March 15 and April 3, which resulted in the victim's pregnancy.

While the prosecution opposed the bail plea, citing the gravity of the offense and the possibility of evidence tampering, the defense countered that the student had no prior criminal record. The defense lawyer also pointed out that the complaint was lodged only after the victim had an abortion and maintained his client's innocence, stating the arrest was based merely on suspicion.

After reviewing the arguments, the court acknowledged that the complaint was filed as a Zero FIR and that the accused had no criminal history. The judge also noted that the victim continued to send messages to the student even after the FIR was filed and that the student has strong ties to Goa despite being from Maharashtra.

Presiding Officer Durga Madkaikar further observed from the case documents that the two were in a relationship and that the victim had undergone an abortion during her second trimester.

Granting bail, the judge ordered the student to post a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with surety. He is also required to report daily to the investigating officer for one month, and is barred from contacting or approaching the victim. The court’s order noted, "Most of the investigation is completed… The record shows that the victim was pregnant for 4 months and the abortion had already been done. Considering the age of the accused and the victim and other circumstances, the application for bail filed by the applicant is allowed." Additional conditions include a ban on leaving the country without court permission, with any violation leading to the cancellation of his bail.