FAST TRACK COURT GRANTS BAIL TO RAPE ACCUSED, ISSUES SHOW-CAUSE NOTICES TO TWO INVESTIGATING OFFICERS AND SHO

Jammu, November 10: The Fast Track Court, Jammu, has granted bail to an accused facing allegations of rape and molestation, while expressing serious reservations over the manner in which the case was investigated by the police.

The court, presided over by Amarjeet Singh Langeh, observed that the sequence of events emerging from the case record raised legitimate questions requiring proper explanation. It further remarked that an individual’s liberty could not be curtailed on the basis of conclusions unsupported by material evidence.

According to the case details, the matter initially originated from a complaint lodged by the accused’s mother on August 13, 2026, alleging that her son had been abducted, wrongfully confined and assaulted by certain family members. Subsequently, an FIR was registered on August 14 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

However, during the course of the investigation, a woman who had initially been named as an accused in the original complaint subsequently emerged as the prosecutrix and levelled allegations of molestation on September 1. She also alleged that rape had been committed approximately three months earlier.

Taking note of the circumstances surrounding the case, the court observed that the allegations relating to the subsequent incidents were not corroborated by the prosecution witnesses cited in the chargesheet. The court also expressed concern over the investigating agency’s failure to independently verify certain significant aspects of the allegations.

The court further noted that the investigation had been completed, the chargesheet had been filed before the competent court and the accused had remained in custody since September 19, 2026.

After examining the material placed on record and the circumstances of the case, the court granted bail to the accused subject to furnishing bail and surety bonds of ₹30,000 each.

The accused has been directed to refrain from threatening or influencing prosecution witnesses, tampering with evidence or establishing contact with witnesses. He has also been directed to appear before the trial court regularly and comply with all conditions imposed while granting bail.

SHOW-CAUSE NOTICES TO POLICE OFFICERS

In a significant development, the court took a serious view of the alleged shortcomings in the investigation and directed the issuance of show-cause notices to two investigating officers and the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Gharota.

The concerned police officials have been asked to explain why departmental action should not be initiated against them in view of the issues highlighted by the court during consideration of the bail application.

The development brings the investigation conducted by Police Station Gharota under judicial scrutiny, with the concerned officers required to respond to the court’s observations.

The court’s order underscores the importance of a fair, impartial and evidence-based investigation, particularly in cases involving serious criminal allegations, where both the rights of the accused and the interests of the prosecutrix must be protected in accordance with law.(KNC)