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3-year old girl raped in school, staff member arrested gets bail
An FIR was lodged into the incident on May 1, when the girl's mother filed a police complaint, alleging that her daughter was sexually assaulted during school hours by an unknown male staff member of the school.
During investigation, police said the accused was identified by the child and arrested on the same day. (File Photo)
A three-year old student has been allegedly raped by the caretaker of a school in West Delhi. After the arrest of the accused, he was granted bail by a court on May 7, said police.
An FIR was lodged into the incident on May 1, when the girl’s mother filed a police complaint, alleging that her daughter was sexually assaulted during school hours by an unknown male staff member of the school.
The accused was booked under Section 64 (1) of the BNS, which pertains to punishing rape with rigorous imprisonment not less than 10 years as well as Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which covers aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
During investigation, police said the accused was identified by the child and arrested on the same day.
“The accused was promptly arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. However, the accused was granted bail on Tuesday… despite strong opposition from the prosecution,” DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Rohit Gulia of Dwarka Court, in his order dated May 7, said, “…it has been shown that the applicant/accused had left the junior wing of the school at around 8.37 am and had not returned back thereafter and moreover, the applicant/accused had joined the investigation when he was called by the police authorities…”
“…there is nothing on record which could suggest that the applicant accused had ever tried to flee or interfere in the investigation of the case in any manner whatsoever. Further, the Investigating Officer admitted that the alleged crime scene had been investigated by the crime team and relevant articles seized, including the DVRs of the CCTV cameras… moreover, teachers of the junior wing of the school have been examined,” he added.
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The ASJ said that it was clear that there was no “requirement of keeping the accused behind bars for long”. “…without commenting upon the merits or demerits of the case, the applicant/accused… is admitted to bail,” he added.
The defense counsel had argued that the accused was not present at the junior wing of the school when the crime allegedly took place.
The DCP said the police are examining the court order and taking legal opinion to decide further course of action.
According to the police, the victim’s statement was recorded before the court under Section 183 of the BNSS, and crucial evidence, including CCTV and DVR footage, was seized.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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