Maharashtra: Man accused of sexually harassing, torturing teenage sister acquitted
What's the story
A court in Thane, Maharashtra has acquitted a 20-year-old man accused of sexually harassing and torturing his minor sister.
Additional Sessions Judge, Kavita D Shirbhate, acquitted the man last week for want of evidence against him, observing that the victim, who is the complainant in the case, and her mother did not support the prosecution theory in the court.
Harassment
Accused sought sexual favors from sister; caused burn-injuries to her
According to the prosecution, the accused had sought sexual favors from his sister, then aged 16, when their parents and elders weren't at their home in 2016.
Out of fear, the victim didn't disclose it to anyone.
The accused used to beat his sister and on May 16, 2016, he put his sister's hand on a hot gas burner, causing burn injuries to her.
Complaint
Victim lodged a complaint through a child helpline number
The girl called up a child helpline number on May 19, 2016, and subsequently went to the police along with a social worker, and lodged a complaint against her brother.
The accused was booked under IPC Sections 354A(1)(ii) (sexual harassment) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
Information
Judge says victim, her mother didn't support prosecution theory
The judge said the victim, with the help of an NGO, lodged a complaint against her brother, but neither she nor her mother supported the prosecution story in the court.
Acquitted
Judge acquitted accused due to absence of any evidence
There is no corroboration of the complaint and no other independent witness has been examined by the prosecution, the judge observed.
"In the absence of any evidence, it's difficult for me to hold the accused guilty. Hence, I come to the conclusion that the prosecution has failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt," the judge said in her order.