PANAJI
Anand Melinamani, a driver by profession, was chargesheeted by Bicholim Police under Section 363 (kidnapping) of Indian Penal Code and Section 8 (2) (child abuse or sexual assault) of Goa Children's Act, 2012.
The prosecution examined seven witnesses in support of its case and stated that on January 10, 2012, Melinamani kidnapped the minor victim girl aged 13 years from the lawful guardianship of her parents. He took her to Belgaum and from there he allegedly took her to his uncle's residence in Kittur. The duo was finally apprehended along the Kittur highway. The girl was returned to her family on January 13, 2012.
The Court, however, noted that the victim's testimony creates serious doubt about her creditworthiness and therefore, is ‘unreliable'. "There appears no element of force or inducement on the part of the accused," the Court observed.
In addition to this, the prosecution failed to bring on record any medical evidence to support and prove the allegations of assault.
