Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Fast Track Special Court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Panaji has refused to grant bail to an 18-year-old accused in a case involving the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl, citing preliminary evidence and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The order was delivered by Presiding Officer Durga Madkaikar. The accused was taken into custody on December 13 after the victim’s father lodged a complaint, alleging that his 16-year-old daughter had been unlawfully taken away from his custody.
As part of the investigation, police traced the minor to Karnataka, where she was rescued and subsequently brought back to Goa. The prosecution informed the court that the victim, in her statement, alleged that the accused had engaged in sexual relations with her. Medical examination findings placed before the court reportedly indicated injuries consistent with sexual assault, including hymenal rupture.
Opposing the bail application, the prosecution argued that the accused is a resident of Karnataka and does not have a permanent address in Goa, raising concerns that he could flee or attempt to influence the victim or her family if released.
The defence, on the other hand, contended that the relationship between the accused and the victim was consensual, pointing out that both individuals were close in age.
After considering the submissions, the court noted that the victim was a minor at the time of the alleged incident and observed that the continued custody of the accused was required to facilitate a fair and effective investigation. Emphasising that the probe is still at a nascent stage, the court dismissed the bail plea.
