Sexual Abuse Survivors Shouldn't Have To Run Between Police Stations: Mumbai Court

A Mumbai special court said that the survivors of sexual abuse should not be made to go from one police station to another. The court made this observation during the heating of a rape case involving a 5-year-old girl. The minor girl was sexually assaulted in 2015 and was reportedly made to visit three police stations to file a complaint.

The court that heard the case on Thursday sentenced the 34-year-old accused to life imprisonment, reported Times Now. He was charged for rape and kidnapping of the minor girl under Indian Penal Code and POCSO Act.

Meanwhile, the counsel for the accused raised the issue of jurisdiction during the trail. Further, they contended whether the FIR in the case was filed at the right police station.

"There is much cross-examination about the jurisdiction, as the victim was earlier taken to MIDC police station, then to Aarey police station and finally to Sahar police station. She should not have been made to go from one police station to another and that too after such an incident. She should have been immediately taken to the comfort of her home or to the hospital for medical treatment," the court's observation read.

The minor girl had suffered multiple injuries after the sexual assault and had to undergo treatment for more than three months. The accused kidnapped the girl from near her house, and took her to Aarey forest. After sexually assaulting the minor, the accused fled the spot.

During the trial, the judge relied on the testimony of the rape survivor and her description of the accused. The judge also cross-checked the CCTV footage and other forensic and medical evidence before pronouncing the accused main guilty.

Picture Credits: IndiaTimes