Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A fast-track court in Panaji has acquitted a man accused of rape after the prosecution failed to present the survivor’s testimony during trial. The case dates back to 2021, when the woman lodged a complaint alleging that she was sexually assaulted at a bar and restaurant where both her husband and the accused were employed.
In its ruling, the court observed that the only civilian witness examined was the bar owner’s son, who admitted he had only heard about the incident five days later and provided no concrete details. The remaining witnesses were investigating officers, which the court said was insufficient to establish the charge.
Presiding Officer Durga Madkaikar noted that the evidence raised doubts about whether the accused was involved in the alleged crime. Defense counsel Sahil Sardessai argued that the case stemmed from a personal dispute, claiming the complaint followed accusations of mobile phone theft against the survivor’s husband. The bar owner further stated that the accused had managed the establishment for only three months without any formal agreement or verification documents.
The survivor herself admitted there was a delay in filing the complaint and acknowledged she was unaware of any police action regarding the theft allegation, further weakening the prosecution’s case.
