Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Fast Track Special Court dealing with POCSO matters in Panaji has refused bail to an 18-year-old accused in a case involving alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, observing that the gravity of the accusations does not permit his release at this preliminary stage.
The case originated from a complaint filed by the minor’s father on November 4, 2025, alleging that his daughter had been taken away without his consent.
After the girl was located, she gave a statement to police under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), alleging that the accused had sexual intercourse with her against her will after taking her to Karnataka.
She also reportedly referred to an earlier incident at her residence in Ponda.
Seeking bail, the defence argued that in her later statement before a magistrate under Section 164 CrPC, the girl portrayed the association as a romantic relationship and did not level a specific allegation of rape.
The prosecution opposed the plea, maintaining that the earlier police statement clearly indicated lack of consent and that the victim’s evidence is yet to be recorded before the trial court.
In its order, the court underscored that the nature of the allegations and the stage of the proceedings are crucial considerations in bail matters.
It noted that as the victim has not yet been examined, releasing the accused at this juncture would be inappropriate.
Terming the application premature, the Fast Track Special Court rejected the bail request.
