Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 13: In a verdict, the Fast Track Court Jammu has acquitted Mohd. Altaf, son of Moor Mohd, resident of Mandhera, Samba, who was facing trial for alleged abduction and rape of a woman in 2022.
Presiding Officer Amarjeet Singh Langeh delivered the judgment on October 11, holding that the prosecution had “miserably failed” to prove charges under Sections 376, 366, 344 and 341 of the IPC.
The case stemmed from an FIR lodged at Police Station Bishnah in November 2022, wherein the complainant alleged that three men abducted his wife at Laswara and kept her confined in Samba for 10 days, during which she was subjected to sexual assault. While Altaf was arrested, the two other accused — Mohd. Iqbal and Masoom Ali — remain absconding.
However, the Court noted glaring inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. The prosecutrix herself failed to conclusively identify Altaf during testimony and even stated in cross-examination that the person produced in court was not the same man who had abducted her. Eyewitnesses turned hostile, the FIR was lodged with a 10-day delay, and the medical evidence was found lacking.
The Court observed that the investigation was riddled with lapses, including failure to trace the vehicle allegedly used in the crime or visit the place where the victim was said to be confined. “Once the prosecutrix herself casts doubt on the identity of the accused, the prosecution story loses credibility,” the judge remarked.
Consequently, Altaf was acquitted and his bail and surety bonds discharged. The case against the two absconding accused has been kept alive, with the court directing that the challan be revived once they are arrested. (JNF) |
