Jhuggi dweller acquitted of minor’s rape

Chandigarh, May 20

The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge has acquitted a jhuggi dweller in a minor’s rape case. The accused was left off on the basis of contradictory statements given by the victim and her mother in the court.

According to the prosecution, an FIR was registered against Maina under Sections 376-AB and 511 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 18 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act at the Sector 39 police station on September 19 last year.

In her complaint, the victim’s mother had stated that she was residing in a jhuggi and worked as domestic help. She had four sons and three daughters. On September 19 last year, her 11-year-old daughter went to answer the nature’s call at a nearby toilet. On her way, Maina forcibly took her to his jhuggi and allegedly raped her.

The woman said her daughter revealed the incident to her, after which they approached the police.

Being poor, the accused requested the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for legal aid and it was provided to him.

The legal aid counsel argued that the accused was falsely implicated in the case. He argued that the accused used to live with the victim’s family and gave them their earnings. But when he asked for his money, they hit him and levelled a false allegation against him.

The counsel argued that both the mother and her daughter had given contradictory statements in the court. While the mother stated that the victim ran away from the spot and narrated the incident to her, the girl stated that some lady helped her.

After hearing the arguments, the court acquitted the accused. — TNS