LI Network
Published on: December 28, 2023 at 11:50 IST
The Madhya Pradesh High Court (Indore Bench) has rejected the bail plea of a man accused of raping his 12-year-old daughter.
Justice Anil Verma, while delivering the judgment, expressed deep concern over the heinous act, stating, “Trust and faith that a young girl would repose in her father and the sanctity of the very relationships were destroyed by debauched and devastating acts.”
The accused, Devraj Dangi, a farmer, faced charges under Sections 376(2)(n), 376(3), 376(1), 376(2)(f), 506, and 376(AB) of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The incident allegedly occurred two years prior, with the victim reporting that her father had forcibly undressed and raped her.
A subsequent attempt was made on March 3, 2023. The victim disclosed the incidents to her aunt, leading to the registration of the case and the accused’s arrest in March.
In the bail plea, the defense argued that the victim’s cross-examination did not support the prosecution’s narrative, suggesting a false implication. The defense also emphasized the completion of the investigation and the filing of a charge sheet.
However, the Court, after careful examination, noted that the victim had initially provided detailed and incriminating statements against the accused during her examination. Although her stance shifted during cross-examination, the Court attributed this change to potential influence from the accused and family members.
The Court highlighted medical evidence supporting the victim’s claims, including redness, swelling, and torn hymen.
Due to the severity of the crime and the potential influence on the victim’s testimony, the Court denied bail, emphasizing the destruction of the father-daughter relationship due to the alleged acts. The case title is “Devraj Dangi vs. State of Madhya Pradesh.”
