Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: A fast track court has acquitted an Arambol resident accused in a 2022 sexual assault case involving a foreign national, citing lack of credible evidence and significant gaps in the prosecution’s case.
The accused had been charged with sexually assaulting the woman on the pretext of administering a mud bath at a lake in Arambol. However, the court granted him the benefit of doubt after noting that the complainant was not examined during the trial, making it difficult to substantiate the allegations.
In its observations, the court held that the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution was inadequate to establish guilt. The case was further weakened as two key witnesses turned hostile during the proceedings, undermining the prosecution’s version.
Additionally, the court pointed out that the scene of offence panchanama was not properly proved, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation. It also highlighted the absence of documentary evidence confirming whether the complainant was present in Goa at the time of the alleged incident.
Taking note of these shortcomings, the court concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal of the accused.
