Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Fast Track Special POCSO Court in Panaji has refused to grant bail to a 34-year-old man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, observing that the defence claim of a consensual relationship holds no legal ground as the victim was underage.
The आरोपी, identified as Basavaraj Harijan, is facing serious charges of rape and molestation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to the prosecution, the alleged offences took place over several months, from July 2025 to early February 2026, at his residence in Porvorim as well as at other locations where he allegedly took the victim in his car.
During the bail hearing, the defence argued that the interactions between the accused and the girl were consensual, presenting chat exchanges as supporting material. It was also claimed that the victim was being pressured to oppose the bail application.
The court, however, dismissed these arguments, pointing out that any claim of consent is legally irrelevant when the individual involved is a minor. While acknowledging the existence of communication between the two, the court stressed that the victim’s age at the time of the incidents was below 18.
In its order, the court also underlined the considerable age difference between the accused and the victim. It noted that Harijan, who is married and has three children, could not seek protection under interpretations often associated with relationships between young individuals of similar age.
The judge further observed that there was a possibility that the accused may have exerted influence over the minor, given her vulnerable age. Taking into account the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances highlighted, the court ruled that the accused was not entitled to bail.
