Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 24: The Fast Track Court Jammu has convicted Mohd Shahnawaz, a Molvi by profession, for raping a seven-year-old minor girl, holding that the prosecution proved the charge beyond all reasonable doubt.
The conviction was recorded by Shri Amarjeet Singh Langeh, Presiding Officer, Fast Track Court Jammu, in File No. 5014/2018, arising out of FIR No. 52/2018 registered at Police Station Nagrota under Section 376 of the RPC.
As per the prosecution case, the minor victim used to attend Quran lessons at Katal Batal Masjid where the accused was posted as Molvi. On March 12, 2018, the accused allegedly sent other children away and took the victim to an adjoining room, where he committed sexual assault. The incident came to light when the child complained of severe pain and difficulty in urination, prompting her mother to lodge a complaint with the police.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 16 witnesses, including the victim, her mother, close relatives, independent witnesses, medical experts, and the Investigating Officer. The Court held that the testimony of the child victim was natural, cogent, and trustworthy, and did not suffer from any material contradictions.
The Court observed that in cases involving sexual assault on minors, the sole testimony of the victim, if reliable, is sufficient for conviction and does not require corroboration. It further noted that minor discrepancies in witnesses' statements are bound to occur and do not affect the core of the prosecution case.
Medical evidence on record was found to support the prosecution version. Rejecting the defence plea of false implication, the Court ruled that no parent would risk the dignity and future of a minor child to falsely implicate an innocent person.
The prosecution was conducted by Ms. Rohini Manhas, Additional Public Prosecutor, while the accused was represented by Mr. Pawan Kundal, Advocate.
Holding the accused guilty of the offence punishable under Section 376 RPC, the Court convicted Mohd Shahnawaz and posted the matter for hearing on the question of sentence separately.
—(JNF) |
