Rohtak Court Acquits Seven Men in Minor Rape Case After Nearly Six Years in Jail, Cites Lack of Evidence
A Rohtak court has acquitted seven men accused of raping a minor girl, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Salender Singh, brought an end to nearly six years of incarceration for the accused, who had remained in judicial custody without securing bail throughout the trial.
The case originated from allegations that a minor had been sexually assaulted by the seven accused. During the trial, however, the court found significant shortcomings in the prosecution’s evidence. After examining witness testimonies, documentary records, and other material placed on record, the judge concluded that the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a conviction under the criminal standard of proof.
In its judgment, the court observed that criminal convictions, particularly in serious offences such as rape, must be supported by reliable and convincing evidence. The prosecution, it held, could not eliminate reasonable doubt regarding the allegations, making it legally impermissible to convict the accused solely on the basis of uncorroborated or inconsistent material.
The acquittal has reignited debate over the pace and quality of criminal investigations and trials in sexual offence cases. Legal experts have pointed out that prolonged incarceration of undertrial prisoners, coupled with eventual acquittals due to evidentiary deficiencies, raises concerns about both the effectiveness of investigations and the protection of the rights of the accused, while also highlighting the need for timely and thorough collection of evidence.
At the same time, child rights advocates have stressed that an acquittal does not necessarily imply that the alleged incident did not occur. Rather, it reflects the prosecution’s inability to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt—the high standard required in criminal law. They have called for stronger forensic capabilities, improved witness protection, and more robust investigative practices to ensure justice for survivors while safeguarding due process.
With the trial court’s verdict, the seven accused stand acquitted of all charges unless the prosecution decides to challenge the judgment before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Legal experts expect the State to examine the trial court’s findings before deciding whether to file an appeal.
