JAMMU, May 30 : In a significant ruling, a Fast Track Court in Jammu has acquitted a man who spent more than one year and seven months in prison in a rape case, observing that the allegations against him remained unsubstantiated and that the investigation was seriously flawed.
The judgment was delivered by Amarjeet Singh Langeh, who held that there was no credible evidence on record to prove that the alleged offence had taken place. The court termed the prosecution’s story as “highly improbable” and unsupported by facts.
The accused remained incarcerated for one year, seven months and eleven days before being cleared of all charges. The court pointed out major contradictions in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of corroborative medical evidence, unexplained delay in lodging the FIR, and failure of investigators to gather essential material evidence.
The judgment noted that despite allegations of repeated sexual assault, the medical examination conducted shortly after registration of the case revealed no signs of force, injury, or recent sexual activity.
Criticising the investigation, the court observed that crucial evidence was overlooked, CCTV footage was not properly analysed, key witnesses were not examined, and the probe appeared to have been conducted in a careless and manipulated manner.
Taking serious note of these shortcomings, the court directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, to initiate a departmental inquiry against the Investigating Officer (IO) and the then Station House Officer (SHO) involved in the case.
The court also instructed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, to begin legal proceedings against the complainant for allegedly furnishing false information. Additionally, an inquiry was ordered into the role of two persons who allegedly facilitated the registration of the case, with criminal action to follow if misconduct is established.
The prosecution was represented by advocate Ajay Dogra, while advocate Anil Sharma appeared for the accused.(KNC)
