Case name: state of Karnataka V Santhosha and Ors
Case No.: Spl. Case No: 82/2011
Date: 10.11.2023
Coram: K. C. Sadanandswamy, J
Introduction
The Karnataka High Court passed final judgement on a case which had been on trial for over a decade, and held that the accused group of persons were not guilty as the prosecution could not prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
Facts of the case
The complainant was studying in SSLC girls college. The accused [No. 1-6], made acquaintance with the complainant, and later forced her to get in intimate relations with Accused No.1, threatening to kkill her if refused.
On 25.2.2011, the complainant was confined in a room by the accused men, and accused no.1 sexually assaulted her. Later, the group broke the almirah to extort cash and gold.
In 2021, the complainant was again abducted and forced to live with accused no.1 in a house for 4-5 days. The complainant then approached the police station, claiming that her mother has forced her to marry a relative rather than file a complaint.
Court’s judgement
The court went through a rigorous investigation which stretched over a decade, and finally held that accused NO. 1-6 and 9 would be acquitted, as there was a lack of strong evidence, and the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court also stated that PW1 was untrustworthy and thus her statement was invalid.
The evidence on record failed to inspire confidence of the court, and the accusations were stated to be false.
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Written by: Radhika Shekhawat
