Thane: A special Pocso court convicted a 26-year-old man for molesting a 14-year-old schoolgirl but acquitted him of rape charges, pointing out serious lapses in the investigation and contradictory evidence. The accused was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment with a Rs 5,000 fine.The minor alleged in March 2020 that the accused befriended her in Dec 2019 and would pick her up after school in his autorickshaw offering treats, and touch her inappropriately. “The evidence regarding repeated penetrative assault is not fully trustworthy due to several lapses, lacunae as well as improvements and material contradictions that go to the crux of the allegations,” the court stated. Medical examination revealed no external injuries despite claims of forcible intercourse and DNA reports yielded no positive findings. The minor’s school principal was not examined despite being a material witness. While acquitting him of rape charges, the court held inappropriate touching and kissing established outrage of modesty beyond doubt.
