PANAJI
The Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) has acquitted a man from Kerala of rape charges, giving him the benefit of doubt. The alleged incident was said to have happened in October 2021.
The Court acquitted Sumesh Pezhathumoottil Abraham, while stating that his bail bond will remain in force for six months in case of an appeal.
The case related to an incident allegedly near a railway station in Bardez on October 19, 2021. However, the complaint was filed more than a month later, on November 24, 2021.
The accused told the Court that he was falsely implicated.
The Court observed that the prosecution failed to examine the victim and that there was a significant delay in lodging the complaint. Apart from statements by investigating officers and the bar owner’s son, no direct evidence was presented. The Court concluded that the evidence created doubts about the prosecution’s case and whether the accused was really involved.
“The prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the Court said.
Sahil Sardesai represented the accused.
