Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 22: A POCSO court has acquitted a man accused of kidnapping and raping a minor, after the survivor told the court that she had made false allegations in order to pressure her parents into arranging her marriage.

The case was heard by the Fast Track Special POCSO Court presided over by Judge Pooja Kavlekar, who ruled that there was no material evidence to support charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, or rape.

According to court records, the girl had initially alleged that she was kidnapped while practising sports after higher secondary school. Based on her father’s complaint, police had traced her and the accused to Khalilabad in Uttar Pradesh.

However, during proceedings, the girl stated that she had left home voluntarily with the accused and denied any sexual relations. She also told the court that she had falsely informed the magistrate earlier about having sexual intercourse, explaining that in her village, such claims often lead families to arrange marriages between couples.

The court noted her statement, observing that she had travelled with the accused to Ahmedabad, where they stayed for around three months and reportedly got married in a temple. She also informed her parents over the phone that she did not wish to return home and later travelled with him to Nepal.

“In this case, although she has stated that she voluntarily went with the accused, she has nowhere stated that the accused had sex with her. There is no material to convict the accused for the offence of kidnapping, sexual assault or rape,” the court observed.

Judge Kavlekar further noted that the victim had admitted to making false statements earlier before the magistrate. Concluding the matter, the court held that there was no incriminating evidence against the accused and acquitted him of all charges.