Thane Court Acquits Man in 2007 Rape Case Over Insufficient Evidence | Mumbai News

Thane: A sessions court in India discharged a 40-year-old man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in 2007. The court’s decision was based on the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the prosecution, the accused and the victim were neighbours residing in a slum. On March 16, 2007, at around 8pm, the accused allegedly entered the victim’s house and molested and raped her. The victim, who was 14 years’ old at the time, fell unconscious and was later found in a hospital.
The court, however, noted that there were several inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The judge observed that the accused and the victim were neighbours, and it was possible that they had a prior relationship. The court also noted that there was no material evidence to prove the exact age of the victim, which could have implications for the charges brought against the accused.
Furthermore, the court observed that the accused, the victim, and key witnesses were not traceable, making it impossible to continue the trial. In light of these factors, the court concluded that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt and ordered his discharge.