In a major legal development, Court clears Gurgaon man accused of rape after a special Pocso court in Ghaziabad found him not guilty. His sister-in-law had accused him of spiking her drink and sexually assaulting her in 2021. After months of investigation and trial, the court ruled that she was not a minor and that her claims lacked credibility.
The case started on March 2, 2021, but the FIR came much later on June 9, 2024. The complainant, a policeman’s daughter, alleged that her brother-in-law drugged her cold drink and assaulted her while her parents were away. Police promptly filed a case under Sections 328 and 376 of the IPC and relevant sections of the Pocso Act, which protects minors from sexual abuse.
Investigators arrested the accused shortly after and filed a chargesheet on June 26, 2024. When the trial opened on January 25, 2024, he denied all accusations. The prosecution presented five witnesses, including the complainant, a doctor, and two police officers. While the prosecution pushed for strict punishment, the defense argued that the charges stemmed from personal family conflicts.
The complainant alleged that her brother-in-law spiked her drink, assaulted her, and continued the abuse under a false promise of marriage. The accused said his in-laws framed him to settle a family dispute. He explained that his support for his mother-in-law angered his father-in-law, who then used his daughter to take revenge.
During cross-examination, the complainant admitted that her parents often fought. And that she had once filed a false case against her father on her uncle’s advice. This admission weakened her testimony. The court remarked, “A person who misuses the law for personal reasons cannot be trusted.” The judge also highlighted contradictions in her statements. She said she was 17 during the incident, but later admitted she turned 22 in January 2024, confirming she was an adult.
Judge Neeraj Gautam emphasized that the three-year delay in filing the FIR cast serious doubt on the claims. Citing a Supreme Court precedent, he said that delays without valid reasons weaken the prosecution’s credibility. After reviewing all the evidence, the court concluded that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal experts said the case underscores the increasing concern about false accusations in sexual offense cases. While the Pocso Act (2012) plays a vital role in protecting children. It can also be exploited to target innocent individuals. Data from Punjab and Haryana shows that conviction rates in rape cases hover around 20%, reflecting both weak investigations and misuse of legal provisions.
At the same time, regions like Mohali have improved public safety. In 2022, Mohali was listed among Punjab’s safest cities after a steady drop in crime. Experts believe that quick trials, strong legal awareness, and balanced judgment ensure justice for victims while protecting the innocent.
The Pocso Act remains a powerful tool for child protection, but requires fair and evidence-based implementation. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for accurate investigations and transparent proceedings to uphold justice and public trust.
In conclusion, the Court clears Gurgaon man accused of rape, reminding everyone that justice must rest on truth, fairness, and proof. Every victim deserves compassion and protection, but every accused also deserves a fair opportunity to defend their innocence.
