Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 28: The Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) in Panaji on Friday rejected the bail plea of an 18-year-old accused in a minor’s rape case, citing the serious allegation of “forcible” sexual intercourse made by the 16-year-old victim.

The case arose after the victim’s father filed a police complaint stating that his daughter was kidnapped from his lawful guardianship on November 4, 2025. Following her recovery, the victim told police under Section 161 CrPC that the accused had committed forcible sexual intercourse with her in Karnataka and previously at her residence in Ponda.

The defence argued that the victim’s Section 164 CrPC statement described their relationship as a “romance-type relationship” without mentioning rape. However, the prosecution emphasized that the victim had used the term “forcible” in her police statement, and her evidence in court is yet to be recorded.

The court noted that the word “forcible” is significant in bail considerations and observed that since the victim is yet to be examined, granting bail would be premature. Consequently, the bail plea was rejected.