Chandigarh Man Acquitted in Teen Rape Case Amidst Conflicting Victim Statements

In a significant development that underscores the complexities of legal proceedings involving minors, a Chandigarh court has acquitted Jagga Ram, a resident of Sector 55, who was accused of raping a teenage girl. The verdict, delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Poonam Rattan, hinged critically on the victim’s dramatically altered testimony during the trial, which starkly contradicted her initial complaint.

The case dates back to April 2022 when an FIR was lodged at PS Sector 39, alleging that Jagga Ram had lured the minor with a chocolate, taken her to a deserted plot, and subjected her to sexual assault.

The accusation was grave, leading to charges under both the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape. The initial complaint painted a harrowing picture of a heinous crime.

However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when the victim appeared in court.

In her cross-examination, she recanted her earlier statements, denying any sexual assault whatsoever. She testified that the accused, who lived next door and with whom she sometimes played, had merely offered her a chocolate. Crucially, she informed the court that she had been scolded by her mother on the day of the alleged incident.

Following this, she went to her maternal aunt’s house and later lodged the complaint against Jagga Ram, but stated it was at her mother's instruction.

The medical examination conducted on the victim also played a pivotal role in the court’s decision. Forensic reports found no signs of recent or old injury, nor any evidence of penetration, which further undermined the prosecution’s claims of sexual assault.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Poonam Rattan meticulously reviewed the evidence, including the stark inconsistencies in the victim’s statements and the medical findings.

The court observed that the "mother’s conduct to settle score with accused" appeared to be a significant factor, suggesting the possibility of a false implication. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, especially given the victim's denial of sexual assault during her court testimony and the absence of corroborating medical evidence.

Ultimately, the court concluded that the prosecution had not presented sufficient credible evidence to convict Jagga Ram.

Citing the principle that any doubt must benefit the accused, the court pronounced Jagga Ram innocent, leading to his acquittal in this high-profile and emotionally charged case. This verdict serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges in evaluating evidence, particularly in cases involving vulnerable witnesses, and the paramount importance of thorough investigation and consistent testimony in securing justice.